After a calmer summer, Kyiv braces for a dreaded winter

Until recently, Kyiv residents could still enjoy late-summer moments — strolling through the botanical gardens or relaxing on café terraces in the Podil neighbourhood. But since late August, the mood has shifted: Russian strikes on the capital have become more frequent and now often happen in daylight rather than only at night. The rumble of air defence and the whine of drones have become part of everyday life, disrupting schools and workplaces. Warehouses and petrol stations have been among the targets, and the city has effectively become a frontline area.

The Lukyanivka district has been especially hard hit, with a large shopping centre and market destroyed by fire earlier in the summer. Despite this, traders continue working amid the ruins, showing a resigned, fatalistic attitude toward what lies ahead.

A harsh memory of last winter

Last winter, temperatures dropped to as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius and the cold persisted well into February. Many residents lost heating after Russian strikes on power infrastructure — some flats saw indoor temperatures fall to just 3C. People coped in different ways, from layering clothing and exercising to staying warm, while shortages of water and internet access created further hardship.

Preparing for the season ahead

Many Kyiv residents are now preparing seriously for a possible crisis, buying generators, energy-storage systems, and stockpiling food. Some are considering temporarily leaving the city if conditions become unbearable — one charity director has rented a house in the Carpathian mountains for her staff. Since August, Kyiv has also faced new, faster jet-powered drones that are harder to intercept, adding further psychological strain.

Despite the uncertainty, many residents hold on to hope, reminding themselves that every difficult winter day brings spring closer.