Frosts in Ukraine
On February 17, no significant precipitation is expected in most regions of Ukraine, but on February 18-19, the cold snap will intensify. In Kyiv, precipitation is unlikely on February 17, but black ice will persist on the roads.
Moderate snow avalanche danger of the second level is expected in the highlands of Ivano-Frankivsk region on February 16-17. Rescuers urge to refrain from hiking in the mountains.
In Ukraine, due to bad weather, 377 road accidents occurred, 87 of them in Kyiv. The patrol police are regulating traffic and assisting drivers in difficult conditions.
After a sharp change in weather, Kyiv's roads and sidewalks turned into an icy trap. Drivers are pushing cars, and public transport is at a standstill due to black ice.
Kyiv authorities restricted truck entry into the capital from 10:00 PM on February 15 due to snowfall. Drivers of private cars are urged to use public transport.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that continuous Russian air strikes on the capital's critical infrastructure over two months have brought the city to the brink of disaster. 3.5 million residents are enduring the harshest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Precipitation is expected in Ukraine in the next two days, and from February 17 - a drop in temperature. Night and day temperatures will reach 1-9° below zero.
In Kyiv, utility services are restoring the supply of coolant to homes in Troieshchyna. Specialists are working to ensure that water in the heating system reaches its destination and to bleed air.
President Zelenskyy informed US Secretary of State Rubio about the situation at the front and the consequences of Russian strikes. Diplomatic process, aid to Ukraine in winter, and strengthening resilience were discussed.
Due to the forecasted cold snap and the risk of new shelling, the energy system remains under increased load and in a state of readiness.
Andriy Sybiha appealed to the G7 countries to increase energy assistance to Ukraine and strengthen its air defense. He noted that Ukraine needs about $15 billion to finance air defense.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that not only people but also animals, including the dog Patron, are unbreakable in Ukraine. He noted that Ukrainians are becoming stronger despite terrible difficulties.
Energy supply stabilization continues in Ukraine after the shelling. Relevant ministries and heads of regional military administrations are preparing resources to respond to new attacks amid severe cold.
Secretary of State Rubio looks forward to meeting with President Zelenskyy in Munich. He condemns Russian bombings, calling them horrific suffering.
Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that severe frosts would return to Ukraine next week. He urged services to accelerate repairs as much as possible and begin preparations for the next heating season.
In Kyiv region, a driver who fell through the ice while drifting near Lebedivka has been sought for a week. Rescuers have surveyed 50,000 square meters of water surface, but the searches have so far been unsuccessful.
Ukrainian singer Natalia Mohylevska shared her diet system, which helped her lose 25 kilograms. She adheres to two meals a day with an emphasis on vegetables.
During the night, Russia deliberately attacked Ukraine's energy infrastructure. In Kyiv, heating has been stopped for another 2,600 buildings, 300,000 people in Odesa are without water, and 10,000 subscribers in Dnipro are without heat.
A two-year-old boy died in Lviv region after being admitted to the hospital in critical condition. His parents were detained for malicious failure to fulfill their duties, and proceedings were opened against social services for official negligence.
The Kyiv City State Administration urged residents of the capital to check and replenish their supplies of drinking and technical water due to possible enemy shelling. The recommended norm per person is: 3 liters of drinking water and 10–12 liters of technical water.
The Swiss Federal Council has approved an aid package for Ukraine worth up to 32 million Swiss francs to overcome the energy crisis. The aid includes 18 gas power generation modules and 80 diesel generators.
In Kyiv, the danger of snow falling and icicles falling from roofs is increasing. The State Emergency Service urges residents to be careful and follow safety rules.
The situation in Kyiv is difficult due to low temperatures, but the blackout schedules are being maintained. Ukraine is strengthening cooperation with partners to obtain equipment and spare parts.
Over 200,000 Kyiv residents have already used the 211 mobile Invincibility Points of the State Emergency Service, deployed in 108 locations. These points provide warmth, food, and assistance, especially during power outages.
On February 11, night frosts down to -18 degrees are expected in Ukraine, but during the day in the west and south, the temperature will rise to +5 degrees. Strong southerly winds will bring wet snow to the western regions, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, and Kyiv regions.
Passage is ensured on state roads in Ukraine, but icy conditions are observed in some places. Road organizations are treating the pavement with anti-icing materials.
The Vatican delivered humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including 80 generators, medicines, and food. This is a response to appeals from local bishops due to the critical energy supply situation and frosts.
Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal announced complex electricity supply schedules for Tuesday and Wednesday due to low temperatures. He also mentioned a review of the list of critical infrastructure facilities and increased control over electricity distribution.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new programs to support people and communities, including expanding opportunities for private homeowners regarding autonomous power supply. The government will also make it easier for condominiums to purchase generators and other equipment.
Heat supply has been restored in the Desnianskyi district of Kyiv. However, as of the morning of February 8, 1126 buildings in the Darnytskyi and Dniprovskyi districts remained without heat.