Life in Kyiv during the war: everyday life, safety and the city's resilience

Kyiv continues to live at its own pace even when reality throws new challenges at it every day. The city is sustained by people who do not lose their strength, warmth and faith, and its streets have become a symbol of the indomitability of the entire country. Learn more about how the capital is changing, living and inspiring during the war

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Kyiv continues to live even as the world around it changes every day. Despite air raid sirens, new challenges, and energy crises, the capital maintains its rhythm — unique, confident, and stubborn.

How exactly does the city live, how have Kyiv residents adapted, and why has Kyiv's symbolism become even more important in these difficult times? We will tell you more in this article.

Kyiv today: a city that continues to live

Kyiv sounds special: somewhere in the distance, a siren can be heard, and nearby on Khreshchatyk, someone laughs as they leave a café with their morning coffee. Traffic has returned, people rush about their daily business, and the capital refuses to let the war break its spirit. Even after the most difficult days, Kyiv quickly comes back to life, its residents return to their favourite routes, businesses reopen their doors, and the atmosphere of the city reminds us that life goes on.

Kyiv's resilience is reflected in the eyes of people who keep going despite their fatigue. It is reflected in the buildings that have stood their ground. It is reflected in a city that proves every day that it cannot be defeated.

How culture, nature and history are becoming a resource for development for Ukrainians — read here.

Everyday life in the capital during wartime

Kyiv has learned to live in a new reality. The metro has become not only a means of transport but also a shelter that saves thousands of people during massive attacks. The carriages become workplaces, and the stations become temporary homes for children who need to wait out the danger.

Schools and universities operate in mixed formats, but this does not stop learning — Ukrainian education has adapted so that children are safe and do not lose their knowledge. Businesses continue to operate, launch new projects, and seek opportunities, even when objective reality dictates otherwise.

Each district has its own atmosphere. Podil lives to a creative rhythm, Pechersk to a business one. Troieschyna is energetic and dense, Solomyanka is the transport heart that never stops. Kyiv is made up of these microcosms, which work together as one big city.

Safety and adaptation to the realities of war

The capital's infrastructure has changed — quickly and systematically. Additional shelters, fortified school and university safe zones, and updated evacuation plans have appeared.

Points of invincibility operate in different areas — these are places where you can charge your phone, get a cup of hot tea, and feel that you are not alone in the dark. Kyiv's services are doing the impossible: the lights are back on after massive shelling, transport is running, there is water, and the city is functioning.

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Kyiv's symbols as part of its resilience

During the war, symbols have taken on new meaning. People are more likely to wear patriotic items to remind themselves and the world who they are. On the streets, you can see hoodies with the Trident, T-shirts with a map of Ukraine, pins with the flag, and silhouettes of Kyiv.

The symbols of the city have become part of the inner defence. They warm, motivate, and give a sense of community.

What Ukrainians are proud of and how they see the country's role in the future — read more at the link.

Visit Ukraine's collection of Kyiv merchandise: strength embedded in every item

Amidst all this reality, Visit Ukraine's limited collection of Kyiv merchandise was born. It was a response to people's desire to have something that reminds them of their hometown, supports them morally, and demonstrates Ukraine's resilience.

Where did this idea come from?

This collection was created for those who want to support Kyiv and feel connected to the city even in the most difficult times. The demand for

symbolic items has grown because every element, from the print to the colour, has meaning. It is a way to morally support the capital and provide material assistance, as part of the proceeds will go to support Ukrainians.

Reflecting Kyiv in branded merchandise

The collection features T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies created especially for Kyiv. Clear silhouettes of Khreshchatyk, minimalist images of the city, restrained shades, patriotic elements and unique design solutions make these items a piece of the capital's history transferred onto fabric.

We focused on high-quality materials to ensure that the items are as comfortable and durable as Kyiv itself.

Who will this collection appeal to most?

Visit Ukraine merchandise is for those who want to carry Kyiv with them — at work, on the metro, abroad. For military personnel and volunteers, for Kyiv residents who continue to live in the city, and those who were forced to leave but remain at home in their hearts. For Ukrainians in Europe, the USA, and Canada, it is a way to keep a piece of the capital close by.

How do you feel when you wear the symbol of Kyiv close to your heart?

Clothing with the symbols of Kyiv is personal and means something different to everyone.

It is a gesture and a way of saying, ‘I remember my home. I believe in it. I will return.’

Such things help to maintain a connection with a city that is fighting but not giving up.

We invite you to browse the limited edition merchandise collection and choose the item that resonates with you the most.

Support Kyiv — symbolically, with style and with your heart.

Order the merchandise collection from Visit Ukraine and become part of the history of an unbreakable city.

Kyiv of the future: a capital that will be reborn

The capital is already showing that it has the strength to move forward. The Kyiv of the future will have renovated streets, even stronger infrastructure, modern neighbourhoods, and people who have survived the hardest times. The city will be rebuilt and become even better.

Kyiv was, is, and will be the heart of Ukraine. Unbreakable, alive, bright.

And each of us is part of its history.

Reminder! Ukrainian symbols have long gone beyond traditional culture and become part of everyday style, from clothing and accessories to modern patriotic merchandise. They combine history, strength and contemporary identity, which Ukrainians wear with pride. What do the trident, embroidery, viburnum and blue and yellow colours mean? We explain in this article.

Photo: Shutterstock

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Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

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