As missiles hit Ukraine's grid, power plant workers fight on

STORY: When Russian missiles hurtle towards this Ukrainian power plant a handful of workers stay above ground.

They keep working in a control room protected by sandbags to keep the system running manually.

This facility, it's location energy officials asked Reuters not to identify for security reasons, has been pounded by missiles this year.

In an aerial assault on the grid Russia renewed this month as the war's third winter sets in.

Shift leader Serhii, has worked at the plant for over 30 years.

"We are working 24/7. This is our front, some of the guys have a front in the east, but our front is here. Our task is to ensure that our Ukraine has electricity, that it functions in full. So when there are attacks, we stay here, even though we know there are missiles coming at us. But we have to be here to ensure she (the power plant) will keep running."

Missile strikes, as recent as November, have created holes in the walls as equipment lies in disrepair.

Water drips from the damaged roof with rocket fragments and metal sheets lying twisted on the floor.

The facility typically provides electricity and heating to hundreds of thousands of people.

It is one of five remaining thermal power plants owned by DTEK, Ukraine's largest private power provider.

But major repairs have been needed throughout much of the year.

The November attacks created more urgent work but turbine unit shift leader Serhii says they are determined.

"Every time it gets worse and worse, but we manage. We are finding reserves, brainstorming how we can bypass something, and how to fix some gear as soon as possible. "

Russia, which denies targeting civilian infrastructure, views the Ukrainian power system as a legitimate target in its war.

It has inflicted major damage on energy facilities since it began a spate of attacks on the grid in spring.

It raises the prospect of long blackouts and other outages in the depths of winter.

Temperatures are already hovering around 32 Fahrenheit.

But these workers say they will do what they can, to keep Ukraine's lights on.