Russia's attacks on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, are intensifying. DW asked people on the ground what life is like

Until recently, life in Kyiv was relatively peaceful compared to other parts of Ukraine near the front lines. Now, as Russia expands its attacks on the capital, Kyiv has increasingly become a frontline city itself. With insufficient shelters for its 4 million residents, subway stations have been transformed into makeshift dormitories where people create sleeping areas with mattresses and small tents each night.

Civilian life disrupted

Residents like Halyna, who lives in the targeted Lukyanivka district, now regularly take her 5-year-old son Roman to subway stations for safety, even when no air-raid sirens have sounded. 'We're alive,' she told DW. 'We've been lucky once again.' The situation has become particularly dangerous for children, with Russia specifically targeting places where they gather.

Schools under threat

In early October, a drone struck a school building in southwestern Kyiv, though fortunately no children or teachers were present as they had already taken shelter. 'We've been teaching all the pupils in person because we have a large shelter that can accommodate more than 500 students,' said Valentyna Chorna, the school's principal. Despite these precautions, the constant threat creates significant challenges for both schools and parents.

Whether classes take place depends on shelter availability and air-raid alerts. If an alarm sounds in the morning, children may not be able to attend school. 'This is an enormous burden for parents,' said a DW colleague whose daughter attends school near the Antonov aircraft factory. 'You have to go to work — and the child stays home alone.'