‘It’s not just about surviving’: the Ukrainian frontline city where life goes on under cover

In Kherson, Ukraine, a frontline city under constant threat from Russian forces, daily life continues for its 60,000 residents, including 5,000 children, primarily underground. Crisis psychologist Galyna Lutsenko, herself a victim of shelling, provides therapy to children in a basement shelter that also hosts activities like yoga, dance, and crafts. The city's streets are fortified with boarded-up windows and anti-drone nets due to its proximity to Russian forces across the Dnipro River. Despite the dangers, residents strive to maintain a sense of normalcy and community, focusing on living and feeling rather than solely surviving. Kherson was liberated by Ukrainian forces in 2022 after nine months of Russian occupation.

In Kherson, Ukraine, residents face constant danger from Russian drone attacks, creating a post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The entire city is within range of inexpensive Russian quadcopter drones launched from across the Dnipro River. These drones target civilians, with approximately 200 deaths and 2,000 injuries reported in the past year. Residents rely on crowdsourced alerts to track incoming drones and avoid open spaces. The city is experimenting with defenses like nets to intercept the drones. Kherson's population has dwindled to about 65,000 as people flee the ongoing threat.