As Russian strikes on Kyiv continue, some residents prepare to leavepublished at 22:18 BST 11 October
22:18 BST 11 October
Paul Adams
Diplomatic correspondent, in Kyiv
Media caption,
Watch: Olena explains what she cannot live near in order to stay safe
Russia’s escalating strikes on Kyiv, combined with the city’s harsh winters, are forcing some residents to flee the city.
“It was a very difficult winter last year in Kyiv,” said resident Mariia Shostak. The mother of two told the BBC in recent days she was packing her bags and taking her children abroad to Egypt.
With prolonged periods of sub-zero temperatures and frequent power cuts brought about by Russia’s attack on the country’s power grid, last winter was one of the hardest so far.
“There were some days and weeks that were unbearable. I started thinking I’m not going through another winter like this,” she says.
For other Kyiv residents, the solution lies closer to home: in the vast open spaces of Ukraine’s countryside.
Olena Konoplia tells us she spent weeks looking for a suitable location before settling on a cottage in a rural community two hours outside the capital.
“I decided the better option will be a little village without any factories, any [warehouses] and any railway stations,” Olena explains.
“Everything that can be a Russian target.”