As freezing winter approaches, Kyiv residents look for shelter elsewhere
Kyiv residents are increasingly planning to leave the city ahead of winter due to intensified Russian missile and drone strikes on critical infrastructure. Many families are seeking refuge in warmer, safer locations to avoid the power outages and dangers experienced last year.
Why it matters
The ongoing targeting of civilian infrastructure continues to cause displacement and humanitarian challenges for the Ukrainian population.
Figure caption, Watch: Olena explains what she cannot live near in order to stay safe
As Russia's attacks on Ukraine's cities intensify and autumn's cooler temperatures hint at another tough winter to come, Ukrainians are wrestling with how to meet the twin challenges ahead: Russian drone and missile strikes and the biting cold.
"It was a very difficult winter last year in Kyiv," says mother of two Mariia Shostak, who is now packing her bags and leaving her small flat.
With prolonged periods of sub-zero temperatures and frequent power cuts brought about by Russia's attack on the country's power grid, last winter was one of the hardest so far.
"There were some days and weeks that were unbearable. I started thinking I'm not going through another winter like this."
Mariia is not even waiting for winter. Russia's latest assaults on the capital have forced her hand.
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