Ukrainian apartment dweller works hard to cope after Russian bombing

VYSHNEVE, Ukraine (Reuters) – Olena Ohiievych, 25, wasted no time getting to work on repairing the damage in her apartment caused by the recent Russian air attacks in Kyiv and its suburbs. The attacks had left her apartment in shambles, with shattered windows and torn out frames.

The overnight missile and drone attack was the second major assault on the capital in five days, killing at least two people and injuring dozens. Officials said the attacks were likely to intensify. With the temperature just above zero, Ohiievich was determined to stay in her apartment on Kyiv’s western outskirts.

She enlisted the help of friends to measure up the windows and make plans to cover them with film. She hoped that with their united effort, they would be able to stay in the apartment even as the temperature dropped.

Residents in the courtyard were busy surveying shrapnel holes on the facade of the multi-storey block and loading up a truck with shattered glass and window frames. Ohiievich considered herself lucky to have emerged unhurt from the attack, acknowledging that the building shaking made her fear for her life.

However, the structural stability of the building saved her and those inside from harm, with only minor damages to the interior. She expressed gratitude that no one was injured and that her friends were available to help with the repair efforts.

The community came together to clean up and repair the damage caused by the attack, illustrating their resilience and unity in the face of adversity. Ohiievich wanted to continue to make her apartment habitable, despite the extensive damage caused, and felt confident that with her friends’ support, they could achieve this goal.

It is stories like Ohiievich’s that highlight the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people, even in the face of ongoing conflict. Their perseverance and sense of community support are critical as they navigate these challenging times.

As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it is crucial for the international community to provide support and assistance to those affected by the conflict, ensuring that they have the resources and aid they need to rebuild and recover.

While the physical damage caused by the attacks can be repaired, the emotional toll on the Ukrainian people and their communities will require ongoing support and empathy from the global community.

The resilience and spirit of Ohiievich and other Ukrainians serve as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and international cooperation in times of crisis, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

(Reporting by Yuri Kovalenko and Stefaniia Bern; Writing by Ron Popeski; Editing by David Gregorio)