Kyiv Schools Close Until February Due to Russian Energy Strikes and Cold

School Closures and Parent Concerns

• 🏫 Kyiv schools have been closed until the end of February due to "difficult conditions" caused by Russian energy strikes.
• 🥶 Some parents welcome the closure as classrooms were as cold as 10°C due to lack of heating.
• 😟 Others are concerned about childcare arrangements while children are at home and they need to work.

City Preparedness and Heating Issues

• ⚠️ Many Ukrainians feel Kyiv's mayor, Vitali Klitschko, did not prepare the city adequately for anticipated attacks compared to other cities like Kharkiv.
• 💡 The primary issue is long-term cuts to heating, not just electricity, which is a new challenge this winter.
• 🤥 While authorities claim only 70 buildings lack heating, anecdotal evidence suggests widespread lack of adequate heating.
• 🌡️ Even partial heating for a few hours is insufficient to properly warm buildings in the current cold.

Public Sentiment and Future Outlook

• 🇷🇺 The situation is interpreted as Russia attempting to pressure Ukrainians into capitulation.
• 💪 Despite widespread complaints about authorities, the overwhelming spirit is one of resistance, drawing parallels to the 1990s.
• 💬 "Invincibility points" have been set up for people to gather and stay warm.
• ⚡ Authorities and military intelligence warn of another major Russian attack, with an unknown impact on the already difficult situation.