Relentless Russian air raids push Kyiv residents toward mental exhaustion

From Aug. 27 onward, Kyiv experienced an unprecedented surge of air-raid sirens, reaching 13 on the first day and averaging nine hours of alerts each day through early September, resulting in 53 fatalities and 98 injuries. Psychologists and public-health specialists describe the relentless warnings as an intentional strategy by Russia to inflict terror and erode civilian morale. Residents like Kateryna Soniuk say their mental health is "hanging by a thread," while children such as 14-year-old Masha struggle with disrupted schooling and constant fear.

A study by Olena Yelizarova found 31.9% of school-age children report moderate stress and 13.9% high anxiety during alerts, with even greater impact on those with pre-existing conditions. Authorities plan to differentiate alert sounds for drones and missiles and adjust public-transport operations, but experts warn that prolonged exposure to constant alerts constitutes acute stress that cannot be fully mitigated.