The desperate effort to send food via drones to a Ukrainian city starving under Russian occupation
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In one of Kyiv's most affected districts, a heating pipeline designed to assist residents during Russian attacks this winter has instead caused tension between residents and the city council. The residents of Teremky, a southwestern neighborhood, acknowledge the pipeline's purpose but protest the destruction of greenery needed for its construction.
Following violent clashes between demonstrators and municipal security guards, injuries occurred, including among women. The community's discontent has broadened to encompass broader concerns about alleged poor management by the city administration. On September 23, protesters reached the Kyiv City State Administration building, with one resident proclaiming, "We are ready to fight.
Not just with the enemy abroad. We are ready to fight injustice." The issue's origins stem from the heating pipeline project in Teremky, which was marketed as a means to help the capital endure another harsh Russian-attacked winter. The city administration claims the project would provide backup heating for over 200 buildings, mainly residential, in a district heavily impacted by Russian strikes.
However, initial construction plans involved cutting down hundreds of trees, some centuries-old, according to locals. Kyivteploenergo, the company overseeing the project, faces criticism for allegedly exploiting local green areas for commercial gain. Left-wing activist Vitalii Dudin criticized the company's socially irresponsible policies.
Following numerous protests, an 12-day moratorium was announced on August 12 to devise an alternative plan. The city administration confirmed the community's request to reduce the number of trees cut down from 200 to approximately 10, but protesters remain skeptical. Pipeline work resumed on September 21, but locals and protesters remained doubtful that no trees were cut that day.
Despite a two-month delay, city officials emphasized the urgency of completing the pipeline project. The standoff escalated when demonstrators were forcefully removed from the construction site by municipal guards on September 22, leading to injuries and widespread outrage. The Kyiv City State Administration expressed openness to dialogue with the residents.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Independent's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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