"Think about how to survive and stay healthy": Senkevych addresses Mykolaiv residents ahead of a difficult winter

Mykolaiv is preparing for a difficult winter and possible new Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. The city authorities are working to ensure that, in the event of disruptions to electricity, heating, and water supplies, critical facilities can continue operating and residents have access to drinking water. Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych spoke about the city’s preparations for winter in an interview with the publication Apostrophe, published on October 8, 2026.

Another area of preparation is protecting the heating system from possible new strikes. Russian attacks have repeatedly damaged heating facilities, which municipal workers have had to restore. The city is currently upgrading the system connected to the Mykolaiv Thermal Power Plant and replacing pipelines. This should make it possible to switch more quickly to alternative heating sources if the main heat source is damaged.

“The Russians may destroy it. But we are replacing the pipes in case that happens, so we can quickly switch to other heating sources if necessary,” explained Oleksandr Sienkevych.

Medical facilities are receiving particular attention. According to the mayor, since 2023, Mykolaiv’s hospitals have had modular biomass boilers purchased with support from the Danish government. They make it possible to maintain heating even if the gas supply is cut off. In addition, medical facilities are equipped with powerful diesel generators and water purification systems. The mayor assured residents that hospitals can operate independently when centralized utility services are unavailable.

This year, the city authorities also plan to provide educational institutions, hospitals, and other essential facilities with standalone heating devices, known as potbelly stoves. According to the mayor, the city is preparing for a winter that could prove more difficult than the previous one.

At the same time, Oleksandr Sienkevych cautioned that even thorough preparations cannot guarantee that heating will be restored quickly after a large-scale attack. If several missiles damage key facilities in temperatures of –10 to –15°C, repairs could take weeks, leaving people at risk of being without heat. The mayor urged residents not to rely solely on municipal services, but to plan ahead for what they would do in the event of prolonged disruptions.

“Don’t freeze just to spite the officials. Think about how to survive and protect the health of your children and parents,” he stressed.

However, the city authorities are not currently urging Mykolaiv residents to leave the city for the winter. According to Oleksandr Sienkevych, municipal services are preparing for various scenarios, and if the situation becomes critical, the authorities will issue appropriate recommendations to residents.

“For now, we are not asking anyone to leave. Based on our experience, we can see that we are prepared for different scenarios. If the situation becomes critical or very difficult, we will reach out to people, as I did in 2022,” the mayor concluded.

Thus, Mykolaiv is preparing backup solutions for water supply, heating, and hospital operations, but the eventual situation will also depend on the scale of any possible Russian attacks. Residents should make preparations in advance, including setting aside drinking water, charging devices, and planning what to do if utility services are unavailable for an extended period.

Previously, we reported:

• Sienkevych admits: Mykolaiv would not withstand a total attack on its energy infrastructure
• Water on a schedule: Mykolaiv prepares for possible winter blackouts
• “I consider this heating season the best in recent years,” says Sienkevych
• To stop apartments from freezing again this winter: backup power to be installed in the Korabelnyi district
• Mykolaivoblteploenergo receives 13 mobile modular boiler units thanks to the UN and the Danish government