Ukrainians weigh staying or leaving Kyiv as Russia targets power grid before winter

Ukrainians face a stark choice between staying or leaving Kyiv ahead of what officials warn could be the war's toughest winter, with Russia targeting the capital's energy infrastructure to break national morale. Repeated Russian strikes on power facilities and substations have caused hours-long electricity and water outages in Kyiv, with air raid alerts occurring daily since August 22. Rental listings in the capital rose 87% from August to November, suggesting residents are moving west, while many families with children have left for countries like Albania. Officials say Russia aims to create a humanitarian crisis in Kyiv, the seat of Ukraine's main state institutions, though many residents cannot afford to leave. Some have protested Mayor Vitalii Klitschko's winter preparations, while others stock up on power banks and portable gas stoves, hoping for heating and water amid uncertainty about Western support.