Kyiv - life in the capital in April 2023

Life in Kyiv is becoming more and more similar to what it was before the full-scale war. I am writing this publication primarily for foreign friends who periodically ask "Well, how it's going?". Despite the misleading impression that may be made about Kyiv in the spring of 2023, the war continues. This is an unequal war against a stronger enemy (stronger in numbers of people and resources, but of course morally weaker).

(In the photo: Sofiivska Square at night)

This April 2023 is surprisingly rainy. It rains so often that in some districts of Kyiv, which are closer to the Dnipro, flooding happened. Even when the rain is not heavy, the rainy atmosphere persists for several days. In this contrast, when there are sunny days, it becomes more noticeable that more and more Kyiv citizens go out, they have returned home and more people came to visit Kyiv.

(In the photo: VDNG - Expocenter)

Traffic jams became more noticeable, especially during peak hours. The dynamics of peak times is obvious as more and more people are not working remotely, but from offices, which is so even for the IT companies. But, of course, the phenomenon of remote work, which gained popularity even in the times of the coronavirus, has not disappeared. As before, some cafes and restaurants are almost empty, while in others there is no free place to be found.

(Kyiv in the evening - view from Landscape Alley)

The curfew has been reduced, it now starts at 00:00, so most of the businesses have prolonged their work. It became easier with public transport and taxis, although taxi prices are regulated by the market mechanism, at 10-11 pm when there are more orders than available cars - accordingly, the price increases.

The air smells of flowers and women's perfumes. Cherry blossoms bloomed near the "Zhovten" cinema as well as many other trees all over Kyiv (years ago Kyiv used to the greenest capital). There are more and more cultural events. In the past when Ukrainian films were broadcasted, cinema halls were almost empty, now it is difficult to find a free seat.

This April is so beautiful in Kyiv. Perhaps the rainy weather, or the realization that soon I may have to leave Kyiv, forces me to walk around the city more when I have free time. A year ago, Kyiv was still empty, but now everyone who wanted and had the opportunity has already returned to the capital.

(View of Kyiv from Baikovo Crematorium)

Many people look relaxed. But we must remember - no matter how calm it is on the streets of Kyiv, the war continues, people die every day, and there is no end in sight. It is necessary to be maximally involved in life and do everything possible for the Ukrainian victory.