As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia drags on, Kyiv finds itself under a relentless barrage of aerial strikes each night.
In the face of this ongoing assault, a dedicated group of volunteers steps up, manning outdated weaponry to fend off swarms of drones.
Nearly three years after Russia’s invasion, the call for modern air defense systems grows louder, with the Ukrainian government reaching out to international allies for much-needed assistance.
Rising Aerial Threats
The frequency of attacks on Kyiv and surrounding cities has surged recently.
In November alone, the United Nations reported at least 165 civilian deaths and nearly 900 injuries, with many occurring in areas held by Ukraine.
While the threat of nuclear-capable missiles looms large, the primary concern for Ukraine comes from Iranian-made drones, termed Shaheds.
Their numbers have skyrocketed, jumping from approximately 1,300 in September to about 2,500 by November.
Although Ukraine has received some American-made Patriot missile systems, these advanced defenses are mostly set aside for intercepting more sophisticated guided missiles.
Due to their smaller size and slower pace, Shaheds are often taken down using more conventional means, like machine guns.
Volunteer Efforts and Community Defense
This vital work frequently falls to civilian volunteers, who juggle nighttime shifts with their daytime jobs.
Many are deeply committed, putting in multiple 12-hour stints each week to protect their city.
On December 1, a group of Ukrainian journalists joined a unit from the Mriya volunteer formation.
That night, a Russian attack involved 110 drones, but the Ukrainian defenses managed to intercept 52 of them.
Furthermore, around 50 drones were disabled thanks to the military’s electronic warfare capabilities.
As darkness descended, seven men, ranging in age from their mid-30s to late 60s, gathered in a compact room atop a high-rise building in Kyiv.
They brewed coffee and chatted quietly, awaiting orders to man their historical Maxim machine gun, a vestige from World War II.
With the hum of nighttime city life below, they stayed alert.
One volunteer monitored activity on a tablet, jokingly encouraging others to enjoy their cake while it was still fresh, as they prepared for another tense night.
For the past two years, the Mriya volunteers have used this strategic location for their air defense efforts, despite requests from city officials to keep its location confidential due to safety concerns.
From their perch, they monitor live military maps, ready to shift from watching to firing heavy weaponry at a moment’s notice.
When an approaching Shahed was spotted near a nearby airport, air raid sirens blared to life.
The men quickly donned helmets and prepared their machine gun, anticipating the threat.
Challenges and Emotional Toll
Former Constitutional Court judge Serhii Sas, a member of the unit, understands the growing need for community defense firsthand, emphasizing that merely having firearms is insufficient against the aerial menace.
Support from the military has been essential, providing ammunition and weaponry, particularly their Maxim gun.
However, most of the necessary equipment, including protective gear, comes out of the volunteers’ own pockets, highlighting the significant gaps in logistical support for these grassroots efforts.
Historically, the city of Kyiv has offered bonuses for volunteers, amounting to around $550 over the past two years.
Yet, this year has seen delays in payments, prompting the volunteers to call for additional support, particularly in terms of technical resources instead of just monetary aid.
The volunteers have voiced a strong need for advanced items, such as thermal imaging devices and tablets, asserting that access to this equipment would significantly enhance their operational effectiveness.
As the night continued, sporadic gunfire signaled that other defense units were also engaged in battle, while the Mriya volunteers remained on high alert, poised to address any drone threat that loomed nearby.
In the early morning hours, despite the biting cold, the volunteers shared stories about the health toll of standing outdoors for long periods.
Every attempt to steal a moment’s rest was interrupted by renewed alarms, signaling the imminent arrival of more drone activity.
One volunteer reflected on the heavy emotional burden of the war, sharing that his family had moved abroad for safety, making the painful decision to be apart for a chance at a safer future.
The psychological ramifications of the ongoing drone assaults were stark, evident in how air raid sirens triggered an instinctual rush for shelter among civilians, a reflex repeated throughout the night.
All through the early hours, alerts continued, with moments of brief calm shattered by fresh warnings.
The volunteers flexed between action and retreat, consistently demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of ongoing danger.
When the last alarm of their shift rang out just before dawn, they began to pack up, having once again embraced a night of vigilance.
While many would return to their daily routines, others would inevitably rejoin the fight, underscoring their unwavering dedication despite the ever-present fear and uncertainty that looms.
In this dangerous landscape, the volunteers observed the unsettling normalization of air raid sirens; children playing in the parks were turning the severe reality of conflict into a game, highlighting the jarring contrast between the innocence of childhood and the harsh environment of war that surrounds them.
Source: Stripes