Ukrainian couple expecting twins during war in Kyiv

Ukrainian couple expecting twins during war in Kyiv

Kateryna and her husband Oleg are experiencing what every citizen in Kiev experiences - long power outages, hours of internet connection interruptions and constant fear of the next missile attack. However, as 2023 begins, they are also preparing for the arrival of twin boys. Kateryna, 34 years old, is eight months pregnant. CNN has agreed to use only their first names because they fear for their privacy.

Life during wartime

Kateryna can't get much rest before the big day. The air raid sirens sound almost every day and the sound of explosions has become too familiar. Their lives will be shaped by the planned power shutdowns as electricity is distributed among regions to mitigate the impact of Russia's attacks on the Energy infrastructure of Ukraine to mitigate.

Fear and uncertainty

"On New Year's Eve I tried to take a nap," she told CNN from her home in the suburbs of Kiev. "But I woke up to the sound of the explosions, which continued all night long. The sirens blared until 4:30 a.m.," she said.

It is difficult for local residents to tell the difference between the sounds of active air defense and the impact of Russian cruise missiles and drones. "I don't mind the blackouts," Kateryna said, "but we're worried about the next wave of Russian missiles. Will we hit it? It's like a constant gamble."

Repeated attacks

A nearby neighborhood - Vyshhorod - was hit a month ago, and thearbitraryThe nature of the attacks means that residential areas are at risk, as are power stations and railway lines. Dozens of healthcare facilities across Ukraine, including maternity and children's hospitals, have been hit since the conflict began.

Life without electricity

When the sirens aren't wailing, there's another sound new to their neighborhood: the sound of generators as homes and businesses try to navigate up to 12 hours a day without power. “They are the bells of this Christmas,” she said.

Despite the risks and the impending arrival of the twins, Kateryna travels to central Kiev twice a week to use one of the co-working spaces that have sprung up across the Ukrainian capital. These spaces have become quite professional, with furniture, heating, lighting and reliable internet provided by Starlink terminals purchased from Elon Musk's company.

Professional challenges

Kateryna works in logistics and helps import large containers to Ukraine. It's more than just a living. It is also a way to contribute to the war effort.

Kateryna and Oleg are lucky compared to most Ukrainians to have a small generator at home, but they use it sparingly. There's always the risk that they'll run out of diesel to run it - it uses a liter of fuel an hour and needs to cool down every four hours. They have to decide which appliances to run: lights or laundry, they said.

Preparing for the unknown

They fully expect to need the generator long after the twins are born. Living in Kiev during Russia's war against Ukraine means being prepared. Kateryna and Oleg have cupboards full of batteries, power banks and flashlights. If the Russian missile campaign against Ukrainian infrastructure continues, as most expect, planned power outages could become more unpredictable and more emergency shutdowns could occur.

There is enough food in the shops, “but sometimes I have to shop with a flashlight,” says Kateryna. They have about two months worth of food supplies in the house just in case the situation goes from bad to worse.

Return to home

Like many people from Kiev, Kateryna and Oleg moved to a safer area in western Ukraine after the invasion began in February. But they never wanted to leave the country. They soon felt withdrawn from their home to the city. "I have a job here; Oleg has a job here and can't work remotely. We have a lot of friends here, our home. For me it would be a nightmare to move somewhere else," Kateryna explained.

Commitment to the community

Kateryna feels that they both have a stake in securing Ukraine's future. In the early months of her pregnancy, she helped Ukrainian volunteer organizations raise funds for warm clothing and equipment for the Ukrainian army, she said. "The company my husband works for has a fund and supports Ukrainian fighters on the front lines with equipment such as drones and pickup trucks. We have helped raise money for such equipment," she added.

Help for other families

Like many other Ukrainians, they helped a family that fled the front lines at the start of the war. The mother gave birth in the middle of the Russian bombardment of her hometown of Kreminna in the eastern Luhansk region. When the family settled in a suburb of Kiev, Oleg and Kateryna helped them with warm clothes and food.

Fears and hopes of pregnant women

Kateryna says she is not afraid to become a mother in wartime. She and Oleg want their sons to grow up in an environment that would be the exact opposite of what life under Russian occupation might be like. "I really want my children to live in a free Ukraine, I want them to be safe. They have the right to safety and protection, just like all other children in the world. I don't want them to live in fear of being killed by a Russian missile, they should be happy and carefree," she expressed.

Her only concern - besides giving birth to healthy children - is that she could be in the hospital during another wave of rocket attacks. At that moment she will pray very hard, she says.