Hidden heroes: Inside Ukraine's battle-scarred power station
Power station workers risk their lives to keep lights on in Ukraine despite constant missile strikes. Recent attacks damaged crucial infrastructure as winter temperatures drop below freezing
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
