A conference host in Kyiv alerted guests to the fact that sirens were sounding for air raids, before assuring them that they were safe and that the event would continue as planned.
This is just one example of the way people in Ukraine learn to deal with war and continue their lives. It has been compared – in its spirit- to the Blitz of the Second World War.
Vitali Klitschko was the major of the city, and he took to the podium at the Kyiv Security Forum amid an air raid warning.
After several Russian missile strikes on energy infrastructure, he is now overseeing residents’ support.
They knocked out heat, water, and lights in large parts of the capital last week. This is a stark reminder of what conditions could be like if there are more attacks.
He stated that he was open about the risks and told his audience that the people in Kyiv should be ready for any scenario “even the worst one”. This would include power being out for an extended period.
He advised that you keep warm clothes, water, and non-perishable foods on hand. Talk to your relatives and friends who live in rural areas. Be prepared to leave if conditions get worse.
Sky News asked him if he was concerned that Russia might freeze the residents of the city to death by its missile strikes. He replied that it was not.
We know that the main goal of Russians is to destroy our infrastructure. They want to freeze us. He said in English that we must be ready for any scenario, even the worst.
“That’s why every member of the city government must know what to do in a crisis situation and how to help the people. It will be a catastrophe if our infrastructure is completely destroyed by the Russians.” It will be a humanitarian catastrophe.
He also stressed the resolve of residents to persevere: “It’s our cities and our homes. We aren’t ready to go. Russians want to cause depression among our citizens… I spoke to them. They are angry, ready to stay, and ready for battle.”
The mayor of Kyiv said that the situation faced by the residents of Kyiv could be compared to the Blitz spirit.
This spirit of rebellion was displayed at a local market where shoppers bustled from one stall to the next almost as normal, despite knowing that Russia could launch another missile strike at any time.
Georgii Bohun and Halyna said that they have not fled Kyiv since the 24 February full-scale invasion.
They compared their experience in carrying on despite danger to the British experience during the Blitz.
Halyna, a 60-year-old pharmacy worker, stated, “We were thinking: If they survived after such bombardment we will also survive.”
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Her husband even compared Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zilenskyy with Winston Churchill.
Georgii (73), a former worker in the energy industry, said, “Sometimes they even used similar words, even though their minds are identical.”
They said that they had experienced a lull of missile strikes in the last week but that they were ready for more.
Halyna said, “We aren’t afraid.” “What will happen will happen. We are for freedom, and we will only fight for our country’s success.”