Russian drone strikes in Kyiv: Destruction and protective measures of a Ukrainian mother

This is what the destruction that Russian drones caused in the Ukrainian capital on Sunday looks like. And these are the remains of a Russian "Geran" drone of Iranian design, which was apparently used in this attack.

»In the first second there was an explosion. I saw her. This building was hit. I live right across the street.”

Putin's troops have been increasingly using this type of drone against Ukraine since around 2023. The disposable missiles are simple in design, can be produced cheaply, but have great destructive power.

“They just want to destroy us, drive us out. This is an unreal life.«

To protect herself against drone attacks, including from so-called “first-person view drones,” this mother relies on a technical aid. The Reuters news agency met the 36-year-old in September.

»A good friend of ours gave us the detector. It is dangerous to move around the city, at least in certain parts of the city. That's why we decided to try to protect ourselves from Russian drones.

The drone detector is a constant companion, whether on a walk, at the market or in the pharmacy. Russia not only attacks buildings, especially here near the front, but also directly hunts people with smaller FPV drones. The warnings from classic air raid sirens have been the norm here for years.

»We have hope that the situation will improve. But there is no certainty. What keeps me here? It's my home. This is our home.”