Olena Konoplia tells us that she spent weeks looking for a suitable place before settling in a cabin in a rural community two hours from the capital. “I decided that the best option would be a small town without factories, nor [warehouses] and any railway station,” Olena explains. “Anything that could be a Russian target.” On the day of our visit, Olena was busy transporting supplies to the house and supervising the installation of a new door. In keeping with Ukrainian tradition, a priest was already present to bless her new home. The cabin has gas-powered convection heaters, but in an adjacent barn, a pile of firewood will help Olena stay warm in case of power outages. She has already installed high-speed Internet, required for her works at a kyiv-based charity foundation. At a time when air raid sirens are constantly sounding in kyiv and explosions are heard almost every day, the peace and quiet of the town is what Olena says she needs most. “After several nights here, when I can sleep, just sleep, without explosions, without sirens, I feel better,” she says, “I can work, write my articles, I feel good.” quite dangerous in. kyiv and it is bad for your health,” he explains. Of course, not everyone can afford a country house in the countryside or a months-long trip abroad. Most Kiev residents will do what they can to survive another harsh winter in the capital, just as they have done before.
