LIFE IN KYIV

UKRAINIANS had been emerging from another weekend of punishing summer temperatures, aggravated by rolling power outages and the ravages of a war in its third year.

- JOHN MARONE

But as most began their work week to the hum of petrol-powered generators, the air was filled with the ominously familiar sound of exploding missiles.

My youngest daughter and I were lazing about in our flat, waiting for the electricity to go off so we could justify a quick trip to the beach. "Make hay while the power is on" is the adage in Kyiv these days.

Neither of us heard the air raid siren - or we'd simply ignored it. It goes off several times a day and night despite the last attack in the vicinity being in March.