Water to be drained from 820 buildings in Kharkiv to prevent heating network from freezing – mayor

As a result of a Russian combined attack, Kharkiv will have to drain water from the heating system in 820 buildings to prevent the network from freezing.

According to Ukrinform, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated this on Telegram.

"The shelling of Kharkiv has been ongoing for more than three hours. The strikes are deliberately targeting energy infrastructure. The goal is obvious: to inflict maximum damage and leave the city without heat during severe frost," he wrote.

Because of this, the mayor said, difficult decisions will have to be made. To prevent the network from freezing, it is necessary to drain the heat carrier from the district heating system of 820 buildings supplied by one of the largest thermal power plants.

"I understand how difficult this is in twenty-degree frost. But an unprecedented attack on critical infrastructure leaves no other option. Our specialists see no alternative," Terekhov emphasized.

In this connection, all points of invincibility in Kharkiv will operate around the clock – 101 in total. If necessary, additional heating centers will be promptly set up.

He also warned of possible disruptions to electric public transport. To keep the city moving, additional bus routes are being launched.

"This is a difficult night and a difficult morning for Kharkiv. But the city is functioning, all services are on site, and decisions are being made quickly and responsibly. We are keeping the situation under control and will do everything possible. Kharkiv will stand!" Terekhov stressed.

As reported earlier, during the night Russian forces carried out a combined strike on Kharkiv using drones and missiles, injuring two people.

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