War in Ukraine: Shopping trip turns into a death march

In the north-eastern city of Sumy, near the front lines, Russian drone attacks have become a daily reality for residents. On August 15, a drone strike killed Mykola Myronow, a senior employee of the energy company Ukrenergo, and seriously injured his wife. The couple was shopping when they were targeted by a FPV (First Person View) drone armed with explosives, known as a kamikaze drone. Their fate has left their adopted animals, around fifty in number, uncertain. The attack occurred in the city centre, where a car, completely destroyed and burned, stands as a grim monument. Each day, more wreaths, flowers, candles and memorial lights appear around the vehicle, marking the growing toll of the conflict. The incident highlights how these drones, once associated primarily with the frontlines and rural areas, are now being used against civilians in Sumy. With a population of approximately 250,000, the city lies about 17 kilometres from the front. Local monitoring channels have reported nearly daily sightings of FPV drones since summer, which are resistant to electronic interference and can suddenly appear in residential areas. Operators control them in real time, often targeting individuals directly. This has led to increased fear among residents, who must constantly remain alert. Two days after Mykola’s death, another major attack hit a residential area in Sumy. A pair of elderly residents died in their home, while another woman was injured and dozens of houses were damaged. The daughter of one of the deceased told a local TV channel that her parents usually took shelter in the basement during alarms, but likely did not make it that night. The basement remained intact, along with winter supplies stored in glass jars. In the early hours of August 21, several Shahed drones struck the city again, destroying a two-storey apartment building and injuring several people. One young mother had to rescue herself and her child by jumping from the second floor of their burning home. Life in Sumy continues despite the constant threat. People work, raise children, stock up on supplies, and keep a watchful eye on potential dangers. They stay close to shelters and hope for another night to pass safely. The situation has forced many to adjust their routines, including scheduling medical appointments for less risky times. Some even avoid taking their children to classes or clubs, though such activities have been crucial for social development after four and a half years of online schooling. Lenkbar fliegende Bomben, or guided aerial bombs (KABs), pose another serious danger. These weapons are difficult to intercept, leaving little time for reaction. In August, they struck multiple districts, damaging homes, shops, schools and hospitals. As a result, daily planning has shifted to accommodate the ongoing threats. Residents try to limit outdoor activity and schedule visits to doctors during safer periods. The uncertainty has created a new normal, where survival and routine coexist under the shadow of war.