Life Amidst the Turbulence of War in Kyiv

Have you ever found yourself on an airplane experiencing extreme turbulence, feeling as if it might plummet from the sky? In those fleeting moments of weightlessness, your breath catches, and you might even whisper prayers for the well-being of your loved ones. This sensation is akin to the terror felt during a Russian air raid in Kyiv, Ukraine, where the people have endured over 1,800 such incidents since the onset of Russia’s large-scale invasion in 2022.

The Intensity of Air Raids

Nowadays, these attacks are more severe, longer-lasting, and far scarier, featuring droves of drones and numerous missiles. They typically begin after sunset and can stretch through the night into dawn, marked by the whoosh of missiles tearing through the dark. Drones buzz ominously, reminiscent of chainsaws or giant insects that haunt childhood memories. A particularly chilling experience is hearing multiple drones simultaneously—what I grimly refer to as “stereo” or “Dolby surround”—as explosions from air defenses echo like an offbeat drum, causing my heartbeat to race.

The blasts send adrenaline coursing through your veins, sometimes shaking the very structure of your home. As the hours pass, fatigue sets in, and eventually, sleep takes over, transforming the sounds of destruction into nightmares. Waking the next day, you may feel disoriented, only to be met with reports of damage: thankful that lives were spared, yet mourning those who were injured or the apartments that were devastated.

A Glimpse of Resilience

I often ponder the lives of those controlling the drones and missiles—how they return home after a night of chaos and what tales they share with their families. Yet, I cherish the memory of a group of high school graduates who strolled past my house one June morning, blissfully unaware of the looming danger. Their laughter, vibrant under the rising sun and surrounded by blooming trees, encapsulated a spirit that defied Russian President Vladimir Putin. They seemed untouchable, filled with hope for the future.

The Reality of Blackouts

Recent months have made blackouts an all-too-frequent consequence of these air raids, as if keeping citizens awake and fearful is part of a broader strategy to instigate terror. The stark logic from Moscow appears evident: if you refuse to surrender, you will freeze. Deliberately targeting power stations and heating systems, the attacks leave millions without essential services.

Additionally, planned outages have become a routine ordeal, typically occurring three times a day, lasting anywhere from two to eight hours. You can perceive an outage by the sudden absence of familiar sounds, like the hum of the fridge or the flow of heating water. The darkness envelops your neighborhood, making the stars in the sky appear closer and more radiant.

Preparing for Powerlessness

In these moments of darkness, technology becomes a lifeline. Beyond smartphones equipped with energy-saving modes, essentials include Wi-Fi hotspots, flashlights, laptops, tablets, and portable speakers. I have even stockpiled several rechargeable lamps—three are bright enough for my mother to read by, three are motion-activated for safety in the bathroom, and I possess a quirky cap lamp for cooking or rummaging through the basement.

Moreover, a festive touch comes from a Christmas garland in the kitchen, brightening the otherwise bleak outages. My most crucial device is a hefty $1,200 battery, capable of keeping us warm and energized for up to 12 hours. Living in a remodeled summer house on the outskirts of Kyiv, I rely on both a natural gas heating system and a pump—both needing electricity. Due to limited energy resources, we resort to using frying pans and a simple whistling kettle instead.

The Importance of Preparedness

Once the power returns, procrastination isn’t an option. It’s time to recharge all essential devices, run the washing machine, wash the dishes, and dash out for groceries while navigating an increasingly dangerous environment without traffic lights. However, the return of electricity can sometimes be misleading, as I recently discovered when I attempted twice to microwave soup, only to find it still cold.

For emergencies, I also have a gasoline generator—loud, shaky, and odorous. It consumes one canister of gas, roughly $30, to operate throughout the night. These generators are essential for keeping Ukraine functioning; they’re frequently spotted outside shops and residential buildings, often secured to prevent theft. Recently, one powered a concert hall during a music festival celebrating Ukrainian composers.

As for my internet service, they activate their generators promptly after an outage, ensuring that I remain connected no matter the circumstances. However, leaving home demands extra vigilance. After covering the 2008 Russian war in Georgia, I found myself perpetually ready for emergencies. Today, the entirety of Ukraine shares this instinct. My phone must always be fully charged, accompanied by a power bank, a basic first aid kit, a lighter, and extra batteries for my recording device.

Moments of Reflection

Not long ago, at Kyiv’s Independence Square—adorned with countless Ukrainian flags and photos of fallen soldiers—I helped a father light a candle for his toddler’s deceased father. “He’s the toddler’s father,” he said, and my response was only a heartfelt, “God rest his soul,” as I walked away, tears hidden from view.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has upended life in Kyiv, bringing both physical and emotional challenges. Yet amidst the chaos, moments of resilience and shared humanity shine through, reminding us of the spirit that endures despite the darkness.

• Kyiv faces over 1,800 air raids since the full-scale invasion in 2022.
• Blackouts have become a common issue during these attacks, affecting millions.
• Preparation and resilience play a crucial role in navigating the challenges of daily life.
• Acts of kindness and hope emerge even during the bleakest times in the city.