Ukraine's postal workers deliver lifeline under Russian fire

But Mykola, 64, pointed to another service the post office provides to a largely elderly population. "It is very important," he said. "It's one of the few joys of the month: you come out, have a chat with people, collect your pension, and go home."For many people in remote communities, Kateryna can be their last link with the Ukrainian state.She says she hopes her customers are proud of her. "They love me, they need me," she said. "They are waiting for me. Sometimes they call me, especially after attacks on Zaporizhzhia and ask me how I am. We are like a big family. My attitude towards them is like a grandmother or grandfather."Kateryna Marynych has lost her home and her husband in this war - now, she's also lost her post officeThe attacks on Ukrposhta form part of Russia's wider escalation of its war on Ukraine, stepping up fast drone attacks on civilian infrastructure including business infrastructure, energy facilities, transport networks and border posts. Analysts say that as Russia's invasion stagnates on the battlefield in the east, it is looking for other ways of putting pressure on Kyiv.For safety, Kateryna always travels with her partner, Slava, who drives. While she sorts the cash, he works from the back of the van, taking and receiving parcels, delivering food and water. He also carries a side-arm in a holster, for personal protection; these vans carry a lot of cash.Both wear body armour when close to the front line. And they have an antenna in the van that shows them the location of the small first-person-view drones that render the frontline so deadly. They have seen drones from the car but luckily have not yet been hit.She accepted her job was dangerous but would never change it. "It is my work," she said. "If I can't, who will do my job?"