KYIV, Ukraine — Amid the chaos of war, life in the capital city of Ukraine appears normal on the surface. People go about their daily routines, rushing to work with their cups of coffee in hand. The streets are bustling with cars, and the restaurants are filled with patrons in the evenings. However, if you pay attention to the details, a different story emerges.
Throughout Kyiv, the scars of Russian bombardment can be seen on numerous buildings. Sandbags are strategically placed around monuments, museums, and office buildings to protect them from potential attacks. Once the midnight curfew takes effect, the streets become deserted. Inside restaurants, conversations range from lighthearted topics such as movies and concerts to tales of burying loved ones or surviving missile attacks. The residents have learned to adjust their schedules to accommodate sleepless nights and the need for productivity at work. It’s a reality where death has become a routine part of life.
Aliona Vyshnytska, a 29-year-old project coordinator, shares her experience of living in downtown Kyiv. Despite the constant vibrations from explosive waves shaking objects off her windowsills, she tries to create a sense of comfort in her rented apartment. She decorates it with small trinkets and cultivates indoor plants. However, each night filled with loud explosions leaves her with migraines. Nevertheless, like millions of others in the capital, she chooses to carry on with her work and find moments of joy amidst the war.
Vyshnytska expresses her fear that the Russian aggression on Ukraine, which began in 2014, may last indefinitely. She believes that this ongoing conflict is incongruent with human life and steals away the life that should have been. Meanwhile, in the second year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv has experienced less physical devastation than in its early months. The bolstered air-defense units have become skilled at intercepting Russian drones and missiles, primarily targeting the capital during the night or early morning hours.
Walking around the streets of Kyiv this summer, signs of normality can be observed. Couples cuddle on benches, children play in parks, and bungee jumpers take daring leaps over the Dnieper River. Yet, the weariness on people’s faces is evident — a result of sleepless nights, fatigue from tragic news, and, above all, grief.
Olesia Kotubei, another resident of Kyiv, understands the ongoing war all too well. Her loved one serves on the front lines, and her best friend has also joined the military. This constant reminder keeps her aware of the war’s prevalence. She recalls celebrating her birthday in a picturesque café in Kyiv, surrounded by flowers and St. Sophia’s Cathedral. However, even in such an idyllic setting, an underlying unease lingers.
Kotubei shares her experience during the Ukrainian counteroffensive, where her loved one was part of an assault unit. In such moments, she feels helpless and must focus on maintaining her mental health. Her phone carries a picture of her boyfriend, just as his phone holds her image.
Suddenly, the piercing sound of sirens fills the air, causing Kotubei to exhale tiredly. Shortly after, powerful explosions rock the capital. She acknowledges that these missile attacks, occurring alongside her attempts to lead a normal life, deeply affect her.
The people of Kyiv display resilience as they try to find solace and joy amid the ongoing war. Life may seem normal on the surface, but the details reveal a profound sense of loss, fear, and determination to persevere.
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