Russian attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, have sharply increased, severely affecting life in the city. Until a few months ago, life in Kyiv was relatively calm compared to areas near the front lines of the war in Ukraine. However, now, Kyiv has become a frontline city.
Life Underground
With a shortage of shelters for 4 million residents of Kyiv, metro stations have turned into temporary dormitories. From around 10 PM, people create sleeping areas using mattresses and small tents. Children sleep alongside adults, and pets try to find refuge with their owners or next to strangers.
Read more: 21 states and Washington D.C. have enabled voter registration on election day
Halina, one of the residents, said while holding her 5-year-old son, Roman, "We are alive. We were lucky again." Every night, even when the air raid sirens have not gone off, she takes her son to the nearest metro station. Her apartment is located in the Lukianivka area, which Russia has systematically attacked over the past four years and eight months.
Everyday Dangers
In September, 14-year-old Daniel Umansky was doing homework in his room when a Russian drone struck an apartment building in the central Pechersk district. Vlad, one of the neighbors, was in the hallway with his daughter at the time and said, "We arrived late that day - and it saved our lives." He added, "Daniel's death is a tragedy." Flowers have been planted in front of the damaged building in memory of Daniel.
Russian attacks also target places where children gather. In early October, a drone struck a school building in southwestern Kyiv. Fortunately, students and teachers were in shelters at that time.
Valentina Chorna, the school principal, said, "We are teaching all students in person because we have a large shelter that can accommodate over 500 students." She added, "Given that there is enough space in the shelter, students from grades one to nine can come to school."
Russian attacks have become deadlier in 2026. According to the Kyiv military administration, 140 people have lost their lives in the capital in the first eight months of this year, compared to 172 in the entire year of 2025. If this trend continues, 2026 could be Kyiv's deadliest year since the onset of the Russian invasion in 2022.
Attacks on warehouses have led to shortages of goods in supermarkets, and emergency power outages have resumed in Kyiv. Given the attacks on energy infrastructure, it is unclear how the capital will provide heat, electricity, and water to its residents in the upcoming winter.
Despite Russia's efforts to make Kyiv uninhabitable, 72% of the city's residents said in September that they are willing to endure the war for as long as necessary. Officials are trying to maintain normal life in the city, and nighttime restrictions have been eased.
Read more: Storm Vance is becoming a Category 1 hurricane · EU leaders reached an impasse at the European Council meeting
