Ukrainian Women Hiding In Kyiv Bomb Shelter Say They're 'In Constant Fear'

The lives of Ukrainians changed overnight last month, when Russian president Vladimir Putin decided to press on with his invasion of Ukraine

The country, which boasts a population of 44 million, has endured a series of attacks from Russian invaders, seeing many of its major cities the target for an onslaught of bombs.

We spoke to PR specialist Alina Vrublevska and photographer Anya Ozerchuck, who were residing in a bomb shelter in Kyiv as the Russian army advanced.

You can watch the video with them below.

Figures from the UN have shown that two million people have fled Ukraine, seeking safety in neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary and Slovakia.

However, those who have stayed in Ukraine are now facing everyday life in a war zone, enduring the horror of regular air raid sirens, sounds of gunfire and constantly calling loved ones to make sure they’re safe.

Anya Ozerchuck)

Alina and Anya consider themselves among the lucky ones. They’ve been in their bomb shelter, which previously was the lower ground floor of a gym, since Russia declared war.

“We’ve been staying here because it’s too scary to sleep in the flat,” Alina says.

Many people who live in Alina and Anya’s apartment building have taken refuge in the underground shelter, which has a number of mattresses and blankets laid out, as well as a small dining table.

Anya Ozerchuck)

“Many people stay in their apartments throughout the day,” Alina says, “But the moment they hear explosions, they come down here.”

While there is no shower facilities here, the bunker does have a toilet and sink, which Anya describes as a “luxury”.

Speaking about how they’re coping, Alina explained that trying to adjust to their new normal is the only way to get through the day.

“If you sit around and cry, it doesn’t change anything,” she says. “If you make yourself crazy thinking about death all the time, you’re not making anything good for yourself.

Anya Ozerchuck)

“We are so far, so good. We have our families, we have our homes. Some people are in way worse situations. Some cities are being heavily bombed. Some people are losing houses and everything.

“As long as we have what we have, we can stay strong.”

Both Alina and Anya also expressed concerns about ‘fake news’ and misleading information that is being pumped out by the Kremlin.

Anya Ozerchuck)

Russian state news is telling Russia’s population of 145 million that the war on Ukraine is actually just a “Russian military operation”, with Russian troops looking to “liberate” Ukrainians from a “Nazi” government.

Any other attempts to document the realities of the war in Russian media are being shut down by the government.

Russia's top independent radio station, Ekho Moskvy – an influential and well-respected media source – was closed down in early March by the Kremlin after it failed to toe the government’s official line when reporting on the war in Ukraine.

Anya Ozerchuck)

“Russia is spreading a lot of fake news, and everyone in Russia is believing that,” Alina explains. “They’re telling people they’re saving the Ukrainian people who want to be a part of Russia.

“All we have to say is f*** you Russia. No-one wants you here, and no-one here is waiting for you.”

And knowing that a large proportion of people are supporting Ukrainians in the war is an additional comfort to the pair.

“We absolutely believe we’re going to win this war,” Alina says.

Anya Ozerchuck)

Last week, Anya and Alina took the decision to flee Kyiv.

They are considering going to Europe to safety for the next few weeks, but are planning on returning to Kyiv, hoping it will be safe to do so very soon.

If you would like to donate to the Sunflower of Peace Foundation, which provides support and aid for Ukrainian orphans, internally displaced persons, and those most affected by the current situation, click here for more information.