At a suburban Kyiv railway station, two carriages painted in the blue and white livery of Ukrainian Railways sit on the main platform, their diesel engines running as snow steadily falls. The train is not going anywhere but it is providing a vital service for dozens of people who have been left without power and basics like running water or heating.
These are Ukraine's 'Invincibility Trains', designed to boost public morale and provide some comfort as a bitter winter coincides with intensifying Russian attacks.
In one of the carriages, Alina sits watching her infant son Taras playing with toys provided by international charities who help run the service.
'It's winter and it's rather cold outside,' says Alina which is something of an understatement. With the effect of the wind-chill, temperatures this week in Kyiv have hit -19C. It is bitterly cold.
'I live in a new building on the 17th floor, but we have no elevator, no electricity and no water supply,' says Alina. As Taras plays with his toys, she says it is also a relatively safe and comfortable place for her daughter to meet friends.
Amidst these struggles, Alina reflects on her family’s sacrifice, sharing the heart-wrenching story of her father who lost his life in the conflict.
The plight of families across Kyiv paints a grim picture, with many like Yulia Mykhailiuk and Ihor Honcharuk, navigating a temporary life amidst uncertainty. As winter’s grip tightens, residents rely on makeshift heating solutions while coping with the emotional weight of loss and the ongoing threat of Russian drone strikes.
Kyiv's Mayor has urged residents to consider leaving the capital in light of the energy crisis, a suggestion that has been met with mixed reactions from locals.
Despite the harsh winter and power shortages, the spirit of resilience shines as communities gather in places like the Invincibility Trains, finding warmth and support amidst the cold and darkness. However, there is a collective anxiety regarding the future—families are grateful for temporary relief but remain deeply troubled by the continuing war and its devastating impact on their lives.
These are Ukraine's 'Invincibility Trains', designed to boost public morale and provide some comfort as a bitter winter coincides with intensifying Russian attacks.
In one of the carriages, Alina sits watching her infant son Taras playing with toys provided by international charities who help run the service.
'It's winter and it's rather cold outside,' says Alina which is something of an understatement. With the effect of the wind-chill, temperatures this week in Kyiv have hit -19C. It is bitterly cold.
'I live in a new building on the 17th floor, but we have no elevator, no electricity and no water supply,' says Alina. As Taras plays with his toys, she says it is also a relatively safe and comfortable place for her daughter to meet friends.
Amidst these struggles, Alina reflects on her family’s sacrifice, sharing the heart-wrenching story of her father who lost his life in the conflict.
The plight of families across Kyiv paints a grim picture, with many like Yulia Mykhailiuk and Ihor Honcharuk, navigating a temporary life amidst uncertainty. As winter’s grip tightens, residents rely on makeshift heating solutions while coping with the emotional weight of loss and the ongoing threat of Russian drone strikes.
Kyiv's Mayor has urged residents to consider leaving the capital in light of the energy crisis, a suggestion that has been met with mixed reactions from locals.
Despite the harsh winter and power shortages, the spirit of resilience shines as communities gather in places like the Invincibility Trains, finding warmth and support amidst the cold and darkness. However, there is a collective anxiety regarding the future—families are grateful for temporary relief but remain deeply troubled by the continuing war and its devastating impact on their lives.
