Kyiv, Ukraine – With the escalation of air strikes in the region, the residents of Kyiv, Ukraine, are facing constant fear and uncertainty. For Lena and Sviatlana, the nights have become a harrowing experience, filled with explosions that disrupt their sleep and safety.
The sound of explosions has become a chilling alarm for some residents, as their dogs frantically alert them to incoming missiles by running in circles and barking. Lena recounts how they follow their pets’ lead to seek cover and safety, highlighting the grim reality of living in a war-torn area.
As the air strikes intensified since the start of the new year, the residents find themselves living in constant fear, with missiles often striking before the early hours of the morning. The unpredictability of the attacks has forced them to forego a good night’s sleep, with the sound of rockets shattering the stillness of the night.
Despite the frequency of explosions nearly every night, Lena and Sviatlana express their profound dread of the dark hours, particularly for the safety of their children. The financial constraints they face make leaving their current situation impossible, as Sviatlana reveals the stark contrast between their meager pension and the exorbitant rent prices in safer areas of Ukraine.
The economic toll of the conflict weighs heavily on the residents, with many like Lena losing their jobs when the war intensified two years ago. Lena’s experience as a former gardener reflects the struggles faced by those with disabilities, further exacerbating their financial instability in the midst of the ongoing crisis.
The stark reality of their daily lives underscores the pressing need for international attention and support for the residents of Kyiv, who continue to endure the trauma of living in a war zone. The stories of Lena and Sviatlana serve as poignant reminders of the human cost of conflict and the resilience of those forced to navigate through its destructive path.