War in Ukraine: Russian book market in Kyiv under fire

The Russian book market in Kyjiw has come under fire during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. On the night of the 1635th day of the war, heavy attacks with hundreds of drones hit Kyjiw, Odessa, and Krywyj Rih. The attack targeted one of the few remaining locations in Kyjiw where Russian-language books could still be purchased legally. Known as the Petrowka market, this site had become a rare symbol of cultural continuity amid the war’s destruction. Despite its significance, the market was severely damaged in the strike, marking the loss of a unique space for Russian literature in the Ukrainian capital. The assault began around 1:57 a.m., when piercing sirens shattered the quiet of Kyjiw. Moments later, five loud explosions followed, briefly disrupting the city's nighttime calm. A man in a fourth-floor apartment called out to his neighbors, suggesting they might finally be able to rest after weeks of tension. However, the respite was short-lived. Over the following hours, three more air raid alarms were triggered, each accompanied by the whirring of drones and the impact of missiles. Yet, despite the chaos, there was little visible panic among residents. Some sought shelter in subway stations or tunnels, while others simply shrugged off the noise as part of daily life. Two elderly women walking their dog expressed mild surprise at the commotion. One man approached them, visibly agitated, asking, “Was that really loud?” The woman with the dog responded with dry humor, noting that the previous night’s drone had already destroyed a neighbor’s roof. She pointed out that the current strikes were occurring in a different district, implying the man was new to the area. These exchanges highlight how residents have grown accustomed to the constant threat, treating the attacks almost as routine. For many, the war has not only disrupted lives but also fractured families. Alina, a nurse, described how the recent attacks have forced her family to separate. Her husband is currently helping evacuate a sick relative from a village near Saporischschya, while her two daughters, once close, now speak only through intermediaries. One daughter holds Russian citizenship and resides in Cyprus, while the other, a Ukrainian nationalist, remains in Kyjiw. The war has created deep divides within her household, leaving her feeling helpless yet determined to continue working in the hospital, even as she prays for peace. The broader context of the attacks reveals a pattern of escalating violence. According to reports, Russia launched a major offensive using both rockets and drones, targeting key cities including Kyjiw, Odessa, and Krywyj Rih. In Krywyj Rih, the industrial complex ArcelorMittal Krywyj Rih suffered significant damage. The company confirmed that production was partially halted, and one employee died in the attack, with 13 others injured. Meanwhile, in Odessa, a drone struck a branch of the logistics firm Nova Poshta, injuring two individuals. Ukrainian forces, too, have escalated their efforts, launching hundreds of drones against Russian territory. Reports indicate that these strikes have impacted areas such as Kamensker Kombinat in the Rostov region. While the exact extent of damage remains unclear, the exchange of attacks underscores the intensifying nature of the conflict. As the war continues, the destruction of the Petrowka market serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and emotional toll of the war on everyday life in Kyjiw.