"Kyiv shelters overflow as Russia ramps up relentless air strikes"

At 1 a.m. on Thursday, Dartsia Liuba hurried to the basement of her Kyiv apartment building with her two children and husband, Roma. An air-raid siren had sounded, warning of an impending strike. Liuba carried her seven-month-old daughter, Halyna, and roused her sleepy nine-year-old, Orysia, before the three descended the stairs to wait in the cramped darkness.

Soon, explosions erupted. A piercing whine filled the sky above their neighborhood, Podil, as a loitering drone circled overhead. The streets trembled with bursts of gunfire as defense teams scrambled to shoot it down. The mechanical buzzing paused—then returned as countless more drones appeared.

Across the capital, people sought refuge in metro stations, underground passages, and apartment basements. Many followed recommendations to take cover between sturdy walls, often choosing bathrooms for shelter. Last fall, as aerial strikes intensified, Liuba prepared the basement with makeshift bedding and supplies, including medical items and fire safety equipment.

By dawn, Orysia had fallen asleep. Eventually, Roma and Halyna drifted off as well. But Liuba stayed awake, messaging a friend: *"It’s terrifying. So many neighbors who never come down here are hiding with us. I can’t bear the blasts. My head throbs."* By 5 a.m., she took the children upstairs, only to retreat again an hour later as missile warnings resumed.

Since the onset of the conflict in 2022, Ukrainian towns and cities have faced relentless strikes. Recently, these attacks have grown significantly more severe. One reason involves increased production of drones by the opposing forces. Another factor stems from shifting diplomatic stances.

Earlier this week, the U.S. administration reversed a decision to withhold weapons shipments to Ukraine. Some saw this as a reaction to failed diplomatic efforts. Regardless, the steady arms support of previous years has dwindled. As opposing forces advance in the east, the stakes rise for Ukraine.

Kyiv had depended on missile supplies for its air defense networks. However, stockpiles have dwindled, leaving gaps in protection. Reports indicate a forthcoming shipment of a limited number of missiles, though officials note it will barely impact the overall situation.

The frequency and intensity of strikes continue to escalate. In June 2024, hundreds of projectiles were launched. By June 2025, the number surpassed 5,000. On Wednesday alone, a record volume of drones and missiles struck across the country.