From bombings to the beach... astonishing scene of hope in Kyiv
UKRAINIANS flocked to Kyiv’s sandy beaches to soak up the sun amid soaring temperatures yesterday.
On the banks of the river Dnieper, children played and built sandcastles while their parents relaxed as temperatures reached 34C (93F).
Such a spectacle was unimaginable only weeks ago when the capital – and many parts of the county – were under assault from Russian forces, which then retreated to the east.
It also starkly illustrates how quickly life can return to normal after war.
The scene’s incredible contrast to the fierce fighting continuing in the eastern Donbas region was at the forefront of many minds on the beach. ‘We feel pity for those people and we feel so sorry for them, but it is good to be safe here,’ said aspiring opera singer Anhelina, 20, who was there with her friend Valentyna, 21.
Nearby, Roman, 48, Iryna, 36, and their son Robert, six, said: ‘We have to smile and enjoy life because you cannot live in fear and sorrow all the time.’ They evacuated to western Ukraine at the start of the conflict but returned to Kyiv a few weeks ago.
‘The children are happy to be back here. Life goes on. People feel safe again.’ Nadin, 39, an astrologist, said
it was a ‘big joy and happiness’ to be back at the beach enjoying the weather. ‘Because three months ago when the war started, I had no idea how it would end up. At that point, I still believed that I would be protected. I am so glad to be here now.’
In February, Kyiv was under aerial bombardment as Russian forces tried in vain to conquer the city.
Ukrainian fighters forced Vladimir Putin’s troops into retreat, but they are still fighting against his forces in the east of the country.
Back then, the weather was also in stark contrast to yesterday’s scorching temperatures, with snow covering much of the city.