As Russia's attacks on Ukraine's cities intensify and autumn's cooler temperatures signal another challenging winter, many Ukrainians are grappling with the dual threats of drone and missile strikes and the cold. Mariia Shostak, a mother of two, is leaving her small flat in Kyiv, stating, "It was a very difficult winter last year in Kyiv." She recalls prolonged sub-zero temperatures and frequent power cuts due to attacks on the power grid, making last winter particularly hard. "There were some days and weeks that were unbearable. I started thinking I'm not going through another winter like this," she added.
Mariia is departing for Hurghada, Egypt, seeking a warmer and cheaper environment for her children, stating, "I don't feel safe in Ukraine in any way." A September survey by Gradus found that 40% of Ukrainians are considering relocating if conditions worsen, while 35% plan to stay, and 25% are undecided. Evgeniya Blyznyuk, Gradus's CEO, noted that concerns extend beyond electricity shortages to food supply issues due to attacks on logistics centers.
Iryna, another resident, shared that her daughter Polina has struggled with anxiety due to missile attacks and harsh living conditions, prompting her to consider leaving. Iryna's husband is in the army, and she may work remotely from Poland.
Others, like Olena Konoplia, have opted for rural areas, moving to a cottage two hours outside Kyiv to avoid potential Russian targets. Olena expressed relief at finding peace away from the constant threat of attacks, stating, "After several nights here, when I can sleep, just sleep, without any explosions, without any sirens, I feel better."
While some residents are relocating, many remain in Kyiv, facing another winter with limited resources. Authorities are preparing by offering places in converted sanatoriums for vulnerable citizens and constructing small-scale power plants to support the city's electricity needs. However, with scheduled power cuts and shortages reported, the pressure to leave continues to mount. Blyznyuk does not anticipate a mass exodus, as many are hesitant to disrupt their jobs or children's education, stating, "They will postpone it until conditions become really unliveable."