Ukrainians left cold and in the dark after Russia targets energy infrastructure

Russia has been exploiting Ukraine’s harshest winter in years to pummel energy infrastructure across the country.

Repeated strikes have crippled the power supply to major Ukrainian cities, leaving millions without heating or light as temperatures hover around -15C (5F) for the third week in a row.

Electrical companies carry out round-the-clock repairs – only for their work to be undone at night, when Russian drone and missiles again damage power stations.

In Kyiv, people were initially able to keep the cold at bay by using electric heaters or wrapping up warm. But the freezing temperatures have lasted weeks now, with no end in sight.

Even when power is restored, the supply only lasts a few hours – enough to charge appliances but not to substantially warm up homes, which are gradually becoming inhabitable.

The BBC’s Abdujalil Abdurasulov visits the apartment of one Kyiv resident to find out what life looks like with no heating and no power.

Camera: Matthew Goddard, producer: Paul Pradier