# Kyiv Businesses Struggle to Survive Amidst Escalating Russian Infrastructure Attacks Persistent power outages and logistical hurdles force Ukrainian entrepreneurs to adapt for survival. - **Source:** [El País – Internacional](https://elpais.com/internacional) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/76148498-1789-423d-868d-f017771b015a ## Energy Crisis Impacts Daily Operations Kyiv residents face daily power outages lasting up to 17 hours as winter approaches. Businesses rely heavily on generators to maintain basic operations, creating constant noise and high operational costs. These conditions represent the most severe infrastructure strain since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, threatening the city's overall habitability. ## Targeting Essential Infrastructure Russia has intensified its campaign to cripple Ukraine's electrical grid, specifically targeting Kyiv. Beyond power plants, missiles and drones frequently strike commercial hubs, railway systems, and storage centers. This systematic destruction aims to make urban life unsustainable, forcing businesses to operate under a constant, looming threat of sudden service interruptions. ## Survival of Small Enterprises The Sewing Brothers, a fashion brand, exemplifies the struggle of maintaining production amidst war. Founders Juan Drachenko and Tanya Pankina have shifted operations to avoid cold shelters, while managing logistics like battery backups. Sales fluctuate significantly following attacks, as customers fear leaving their homes or lack the necessity for luxury goods. ## Logistical Hurdles in Distribution International shipping, a vital revenue stream, faces severe delays due to attacks on transport infrastructure. Packages that previously reached the United States in three days now take ten. Companies like Nova Poshta continue to operate despite damaged facilities, highlighting the extreme measures required to maintain supply chains during active conflict zones. ## Economic Toll of Conflict Former Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported that Russian attacks caused 7.7 billion dollars in damages to commerce and industry over the last year. More than one million square meters of real estate have been destroyed. These financial losses force many small shops to close permanently, leaving historic districts like Podil increasingly desolate. ## Shifting Workforce Dynamics Businesses face a shrinking labor pool as employees join the military, relocate, or flee the country. Cafes and retail outlets struggle to maintain staff, often choosing not to replace those who leave due to reduced demand. This talent drain, combined with the migration of families, creates a hollowed-out local economy. ## Rising Civilian Casualties Statistical data reflects the escalating danger, with 2,570 civilian deaths recorded in Ukraine between January and September 2026. This marks a 32 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025. In Kyiv alone, September saw 32 deaths and 340 injuries, surpassing the total death toll reported for the entire year of 2025. ## Regulatory Burdens on Business Entrepreneurs like Yevhen Mikhailenko criticize new government mandates requiring businesses to provide or secure nearby shelter spaces for customers. While intended for safety, these regulations impose additional financial and operational burdens on struggling owners. Critics argue the government is shifting its responsibility for public protection onto the private sector during wartime. ## Political Uncertainty and Morale The population remains anxious regarding international political shifts, particularly the influence of U.S. policy on the war effort. While the recent defeat of the Republican party in U.S. elections offers a brief respite, skepticism remains high. Citizens view their continued struggle as a fight for human dignity against persistent external pressure. ## Endurance as a Strategy Despite the exhaustion and the threat of a harsh winter, many Kyiv business owners refuse to close permanently. The focus has shifted from growth to survival, with companies investing in self-sufficiency tools like water tanks and generators. This resilience defines the current economic landscape, where persistence is the primary business objective. ## Sources covering this story - https://elpais.com/internacional/2026-11-09/la-moral-decae-pero-kiev-se-niega-a-bajar-la-persiana.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._