Inside Kyiv, a city that refuses to yield

Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, proudly carries on despite the recent turmoil of war, with residents navigating streets marked by damage. Upon visiting early in July, I was both compelled by duty and hesitant to venture into a conflict zone. After careful consideration, I embarked on a media trip organized by the Ukrainian foreign ministry alongside fellow journalists from Thailand and the Philippines.

Our journey began in Chisinau, Moldova, a 10-hour drive across sunflower fields and farmland. As the sounds of war gradually became more apparent upon entering Ukraine, signs of destruction such as damaged bridges were visible. Upon arrival in Kyiv, we were met with heavy traffic and the familiar rhythm of a bustling city, far removed from the image of a city under constant attack.

Upon checking into our accommodation, an air raid alert sounded unexpectedly. We descended to the shelter, where families huddled together, working on laptops or resting. Despite the disturbance, life in Kyiv continued unabated. Shops and restaurants reopened within hours, and people went about their daily routines as if nothing had happened.

Over the following days, I witnessed Kyiv's resilience firsthand. A thick column of smoke rising from a building hit by a missile attack did little to disrupt the city's rhythm. Even schoolchildren adapted, finding shelter and continuing their lessons underground. The Ukrainian deputy foreign minister emphasized Kyiv's resilience, stating that while the attacks were daily, they were not the new normal for the city.