At a secret Ukrainian power facility workers dont leave their posts even when air-raid sirens howl. The control-room (protected by sand-bags) has become their second home where they manage systems by-hand during attacks.
“When missiles come at us we stay here knowing the danger – its scary but we must“ says Serhii a 52-year old shift-leader whose been running the station since the early 90s. The machine-room outside shows battle-scars: missile-pieces scattered around broken equipment dripping water and burnt-out walls
This thermal plant – one of five remaining DTEK stations serves hundreds-of-thousands with power and heat. After Nov 17th strike things got worse; then came Nov 28th assault setting repairs back months says Oleksandr a senior tech. The damage from these back-to-back attacks created new problems just as winter temps hit 0C
- Missing equipment parts
- Holes in facility walls
- Damaged power units
- Leaking roof sections
The station team sees their job as important as soldiers work: “Some guys fight on eastern front; our front is here – keeping Ukraineʼs lights on“ Serhii explains while checking systems in the smoke-filled room. Despite setbacks workers stay focused on repairs; their determination shows through grubby overalls and tired faces