USAID/Ukraine’s “New Pages of Ukrainian Heroism” campaign tells the stories of women who are making history, working behind the frontlines to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction. Follow the campaign @USAIDUkraine on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Olena Kykot is one of many Ukrainian energy professionals working heroically to keep power, heat, and hot water flowing despite Russia’s strikes on critical infrastructure. As head of the department of information and client consultation with KyivTeploEnergo, Kyiv’s primary heating utility, her work is dedicated to informing local residents about the heating situation.
"It is extremely important to maintain constant communication with the consumer, provide consultations, and explain issues related to heat supply and billing," Olena says about her work.
"I also inform consumers about possible subsidies and social assistance that can be obtained from the Kyiv City State Administration or other government agencies.”
All this is to ensure that residents of Kyiv have access to heat and hot water. This task has become more difficult - and more important - due to Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. During the early days of the war, as Russia’s army rampaged across Ukraine and tank columns advanced toward Kyiv, many people left the capital in search of safety farther west.
Olena chose to stay and continue serving the people of Kyiv.
USAID has supported her work, providing KyivTeploEnergo with heating pipes, power generators, excavators, and other equipment as part of a broader U.S. government effort to help keep power, heat, and water systems running despite Russia’s attacks.
When asked how she would like to be remembered by future generations, Olena was selfless in her response:
"I would like our grandchildren to know that despite all the difficulties of the war, we survived and won so that they could live in an independent and prosperous Ukraine."
At the end of our discussion, Olena shared more about her vision for after the war.
"[Ukraine’s future is] independent, democratic, restored, rebuilt from ruins, and flourishing," she said, with a smile.
