What happened
Russia's intensified campaign of strikes on Ukraine's power and energy infrastructure has prompted some residents of Kyiv to consider leaving the city due to the approaching winter. The strikes have caused frequent power cuts and concerns about food and product availability.
Some families with young children are opting to flee the city, citing the unbearable conditions of last winter and the increased sense of danger from recent attacks on bridges, petrol stations, and schools. A mother of two, Mariia Shostak, is packing her bags and leaving her small flat, planning to spend the winter in Egypt.
A recent survey found that 40% of Ukrainians are considering relocating if living conditions continue to deteriorate. The situation is especially urgent for families with young children, with some reporting that their children are struggling to cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the constant attacks.
While some are seeking refuge abroad, others are looking for alternative solutions within Ukraine. Olena Konoplia, for example, has moved to a rural community two hours outside Kyiv, seeking a safer and more peaceful environment. The authorities are also taking steps to prepare for the winter, including offering places in converted sanatoriums and rehabilitation centers for vulnerable citizens and constructing small-scale power plants to shore up the city's power grid.
