Understand
Kyiv residents consider leaving as intensified Russian attacks coincide with approaching winter
Overview
As intensified Russian drone and missile strikes target infrastructure in Kyiv and colder weather approaches, residents are weighing whether to stay or seek shelter elsewhere. With memories of harsh winter power cuts and increased round-the-clock attacks, some families are preparing to move abroad, relocate to rural areas, or take up offers in converted suburban facilities, while authorities work to reinforce the local power grid.
Key points
- Intensified Russian attacks on Kyiv, including strikes on power plants, bridges, and petrol stations, have heightened the sense of danger for residents.
- Mother-of-two Mariia Shostak plans to take her children to Egypt for the winter to escape the dangerous and cold conditions in Kyiv.
- A September survey by Gradus found that 40% of Ukrainians are considering relocating if living conditions continue to deteriorate.
- Some residents, like Olena Konoplia, have chosen to rent rural cottages far away from potential military targets and factories to escape constant air raid sirens.
- Authorities are preparing by offering vulnerable citizens places in converted sanatoriums and establishing a network of small-scale power plants protected by steel cages.