Returning to Kyiv from Western Europe felt like entering a surreal, dystopian world. The 21-hour train journey from Warsaw was eerily quiet, with no soldiers in sight. Technology has become our silent guardian, alerting us to dangers and providing ways to hide in bomb shelters. It felt like I was in a bad video game.
The once vibrant Kyiv starts to sleep at 22:00 as bars and restaurants close early, a stark reminder of the ongoing tension and need for vigilance.
Relocating my clients is not just about escaping the immediate dangers; it's about giving their children a future, a life without the constant threat of war. It's extraordinary and heartbreaking to see the children, proud of Ukraine, having to leave their friends at school behind.
Kyiv may have changed, but the spirit of its people remains unbroken. Their resilience is a testament to the enduring strength of the human soul. As I navigate this surreal homecoming, I hold onto the hope that peace will prevail and that the spirit of Kyiv will continue to shine through the darkness. If we can stop the killing, I will be happy.
Almost 1,800 Ukrainian children have been made orphans by the war, the National Social Service of Ukraine said in a comment to the Kyiv Independent.