A Ukrainian's Fight for Safety Amidst Constant Attacks

Kyiv has endured almost nightly Russian drone and rocket attacks throughout much of the summer. One particularly devastating attack on July 31 resulted in the collapse of a building, claiming the lives of between 28 and 31 people and injuring as many as 159. Following recent discussions at the White House, Russia has escalated its air assaults, launching 1,000 long-range drones and missiles into Ukraine.

While some residents seek refuge in basements or underground shelters, others are adopting different strategies. Kateryna Starozhuk, a 30-year-old resident of Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv, lacks a basement and found the cost of building one prohibitive. Instead, she purchased a Life Capsule, a two-meter-tall steel safety box designed to provide protection against blast waves, bomb fragments, and falling debris.

Ms. Starozhuk describes the profound impact of the attacks on her well-being. She struggled with insomnia, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating, making it impossible to work effectively. The Life Capsule, placed in her home, has provided a sense of security. She now runs to it when air defenses are activated, feeling much safer inside.

The increasing frequency of attacks has led to a surge in demand for the Life Capsule. The inventor, Sehrii Zakharin, anticipates the need will persist, as he does not believe a peace agreement will be reached as a result of the ongoing negotiations. The capsule, primarily intended for private homes, is constructed from five-millimeter-thick steel and has been tested to withstand explosions. While it currently cannot protect against a direct drone hit, a new model is being developed with that goal in mind. The capsules are in use throughout Ukraine.

The cost of a single capsule is approximately US$2,000. Ms. Starozhuk initially considered it expensive, but the recent attacks changed her perspective. She emphasizes the desperation to find any means of safety when faced with real danger. She hopes to continue living in Ukraine and feels the capsule is one element that helps her feel safer and allows her to sleep. However, she expresses pessimism about the war ending soon. She places her hope in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, to whom she regularly donates.