In May of this year, Ukraine experienced eleven massive attacks. And each time, Kyiv and the Kiev region were under threat. Intense shelling does not stop the life of the people of Kiev: although at night people hide in shelters, during the day they return to work and their usual activities.
How does Kyiv live today?

3.6 million inhabitants now live in Kyiv. This figure is almost equal to the pre-war figure. This is because life comes alive in the spring, and the war does not stop our citizens from returning home.

The capital of Ukraine actively lives in spite of everything, because Ukrainians and business should stimulate the country's economy. Earlier we told how many people now live in the capital.

Life under the slogan Glory to Air Defense!

After waiting for the next shelling, my mother and children, with gratitude to our air defense, either return to sleep, or I'm going to work.

The dawn comes, and life again takes on colors. On May 18, Ukrainians celebrated Vyshyvanka Day, so it is expected that most people on the street and in public transport were dressed in traditional clothes. As you can see, the Russian horde cannot break the national spirit and take away what is built into our DNA. On that morning, as on many others, I realize that I see my city safe and sound thanks to the defenders.

Metro, basements, toilets and other shelters of Kiev.

Life in war does not allow you to neglect security. However, mother and children and I know what danger signal should not be ignored. I remember last year: in the autumn in Kyiv they reacted to alarms in the middle of the working day, in winter there were shelling several times a month. Today I take every air raid seriously. The tactics of the Russians have not changed - they actually carry out attacks on schedule.

Every time an air danger signal goes off, we go for cover. Other residents of our house with children, pets or alone - everyone is looking for the safest place possible to wait out the shelling.

Some stay in the corridor with pre-prepared water, snacks and power banks, and some leave their homes for shelter. Like us.

Kiev metro from the first days of the war has served as a refuge for Kyivans and guests of the capital. As a shelter, the subway works around the clock. The Kiev metro shared the figures: on the night of May 18, more than 7,700 people were hiding in the subway, of which about a thousand were children. Since the beginning of May, more than 50,000 people have been hiding at metro stations.

Citizen support and scolding in chats

During air raids, chats in instant messengers are activated. Neighbors, colleagues or strangers begin to communicate in order to survive the air attack together. Such dialogues become platforms for seeking reassurance, wishing “happiness and health” to the Russians, or praising air defense.

In addition, chat moderators often start fundraising for military purposes.

Business in a new way

The war has been going on for more than a year, so the business has adapted to the new reality. Many restaurants and beauty salons have opened establishments with shelters to provide services during an air raid. But alas, my travel agency. This type of service is no longer in demand in Ukraine. And I had to close it.

The blackouts that were in the winter forced me as a business owner to purchase a generator and ensure the availability of light. People came to me not only to find out about vouchers, but also to work. I helped everyone without exception.

Thank you for your attention!! Olesya