Russian attacks push Kyiv residents to flee as winter looms

Russian attacks intensify in Kyiv

Russian drone and missile strikes on Kyiv have escalated since late August, with attacks on petrol stations, power plants and bridges over the Dnipro river reported by the end of September. The city’s mayor, Vitaly Klitschko, described the situation as “very dramatic” and said the attacks were “tearing Kyiv apart”.

Residents consider leaving

A September survey by the Gradus research company found that 40% of Ukrainians were considering relocating if living conditions continued to deteriorate; 35% said they would not move, and 25% were undecided. Families with children have cited health concerns and safety fears as key reasons for leaving. One mother, Mariia Shostak, is taking her two children to spend the winter in Hurghada, Egypt, citing the city’s warmer climate and lower cost.

Health impacts of attacks

Residents report that repeated missile attacks have caused physical and psychological harm. A mother of a three-year-old daughter described anxiety, incontinence and vomiting linked to shelling. The daughter’s symptoms worsened after each attack, prompting the family to consider relocation. Some residents are moving to rural areas, such as a cottage two hours outside Kyiv, to avoid targets like factories and railway stations.