Amid intensifying Russian attacks on Kyiv and the looming threat of a severe winter, residents are increasingly relocating to rural areas to ensure their safety and warmth. Among them is Olena Konoplia, a Kyiv resident who has decided to leave the capital for the Ukrainian countryside.
The decision comes as Russia continues its systematic targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving millions without reliable electricity or heating. With prolonged periods of sub-zero temperatures expected soon, the lack of basic utilities in urban centers has become a critical concern for civilians.
Konoplia told the BBC that she spent several weeks searching for a safe haven before settling on a cottage in a rural community located approximately two hours outside Kyiv. Her criteria for the new home were strict, driven by the need to avoid potential military targets.
“I decided the better option will be a little village without any factories, any warehouses and any railway stations,” Konoplia explained, highlighting the specific risks associated with industrial and transport hubs during the ongoing conflict.
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