Living Under Fire: The Daily Reality of Wartime Kyiv
Young Ukrainians navigate the psychological and physical toll of daily survival amidst ongoing conflict.
1Life Amidst Constant Conflict
Daryna, a 25-year-old cybersecurity journalist in Kyiv, represents a generation forced to mature rapidly under the shadow of war. Since the 2022 invasion, her existence has been defined by the persistent threat of drone strikes and missile attacks, forcing her to cultivate a fragile sense of normalcy within a dystopian reality.
2Curating Beauty in Podil
Residing in the historic Podil district, Daryna intentionally surrounds herself with art, books, and music to maintain her mental well-being. She views this aesthetic curation as a vital act of resistance against the surrounding destruction, noting that creating a comfortable home environment provides necessary solace during the ongoing, high-stress military conflict.
3The New Normal of Alerts
Kyiv authorities have updated air raid systems to distinguish between drone and missile threats, allowing residents to gauge potential danger levels. Daryna monitors these alerts via Telegram, adjusting her daily activities accordingly. This constant vigilance has become an involuntary, deeply ingrained part of her routine, often overriding natural fear responses.
4Sheltering in Urban Spaces
The city's metro stations and hallways have become essential refuges for civilians during bombardment. Daryna keeps a packed emergency bag ready, containing documents, food, and a sleeping bag. Sharing these cramped underground spaces with others requires significant social adaptation, as privacy is minimal and the psychological strain remains perpetually high.
5The Business of Survival
The frequent blast waves from drone crashes have created a unique economic reality in Kyiv. Daryna notes that local glaziers are currently among the most profitable businesses, as residents constantly repair shattered windows. This mundane detail highlights how the war has fundamentally altered the local economy and the daily needs of citizens.
6Energy as a Weapon
Targeting energy infrastructure has become a deliberate Kremlin strategy to induce panic and mass exodus. During the 2025-2026 winter, temperatures in Kyiv plummeted to -27°C, leaving many without heat or electricity. Daryna recalls surviving in her apartment at 9°C, emphasizing the extreme physical endurance required to withstand these harsh winter conditions.
7Investing in Personal Resilience
To maintain connectivity and power during frequent blackouts, Daryna invested over 57,000 hryvnias in a portable power station. This device, costing nearly eight times the national minimum wage, allows her to charge essential electronics. Prioritizing her electric piano, she uses music as a therapeutic tool to reclaim a small portion of her life.
8The War-Life Balance Concept
Ukrainians have adopted the term 'war-life balance' to describe the struggle between surviving and living. While survival involves seeking shelter and enduring power cuts, living involves gym visits and social outings despite the danger. This dichotomy is essential for maintaining psychological health in a city that remains a primary target.
9Psychological Toll of Conflict
The cumulative effect of living under daily bombardment is a profound sense of loss, even for those whose homes remain intact. Daryna observes that part of one's personality disappears during war, as the focus shifts entirely to immediate survival. Planning for the future has become nearly impossible, replaced by hourly uncertainty.
10Skepticism Toward Ceasefire Proposals
Despite diplomatic discussions, such as the energy ceasefire proposed by President Zelensky in September 2026, Daryna remains skeptical. She believes Russian influence is too deeply entrenched for a simple agreement to provide relief. For her generation, the end of the war does not guarantee an immediate return to a normal life.
11The Difficulty of Future Planning
Unlike her peers in Europe or the United States, Daryna cannot plan for the coming seasons or even the end of her day. Her future depends entirely on the efficacy of Ukrainian air defenses. This inability to project into the future creates a persistent, underlying anxiety that defines her current life stage.
12Enduring Legacy of War
Daryna’s experience illustrates the broader struggle of a generation whose formative years were stolen by conflict. Rebuilding Ukraine will require more than physical reconstruction; it will necessitate healing the deep psychological scars of those who lived through the bombardment. The true cost of this war remains an evolving, deeply personal tragedy.
Original article: France 24 – Europe — Living Under Fire: The Daily Reality of Wartime Kyiv