For years, the Ukrainian capital has been living in the rhythm of air raid alarms, power and heating shortages. The temperature in winter can drop well below zero. Residents are looking for even a momentary respite. They find such a place in “steadfastness points” – makeshift support centers created in schools, libraries, tents and administration buildings.
What is the steadfastness point?
What places serve as steadfastness points?
What can residents do at steadfastness points?
What is the everyday life of Kiev residents like?
Oleh Biłecki, who broadcasts from the yard of one of Kiev's schools, talks about one of them. This is no longer a place of learning, but a space where you can survive the most difficult hours. – You can always come here, warm up, drink tea, charge your phone and find a safe shelter, even in the event of an air raid alarm – he says, showing makeshift rooms open to anyone who needs help.
These points are marked with characteristic boards informing about free admission. During alarms, they quickly fill up with people, especially those who no longer have electricity or heat in their apartments. – When an alarm is announced, people actually come here to find a safe place – adds Biłecki.
“Between children's laughter and returning to dark, cold apartments”
In the breaks between attacks, residents try to raise their morale, at least for a moment. Someone set up a makeshift ice rink in the school yard – a substitute for normality in abnormal conditions. — If someone doesn't have heating or electricity at home, they can come here and skate, have a good time, a good mood. Well, but of course he will have to return to the cold apartment again – describes the reporter.
This is what everyday life looks like in the Ukrainian capital – between children laughing on the ice and returning to dark, cold apartments. – This is the reality in Kiev – Oleh Bielecki concludes his report.
