At a suburban Kyiv railway station, two carriages painted in the blue and white livery of Ukrainian Railways sit on the main platform, their diesel engines running as snow steadily falls. The train is not going anywhere but it is providing a vital service for dozens of people who have been left without power and basics like running water or heating.
These are Ukraine's 'Invincibility Trains', designed to boost public morale and provide some comfort as a bitter winter coincides with intensifying Russian attacks.
In one of the carriages, Alina sits watching her infant son Taras playing with toys provided by international charities who help run the service.
'It's winter and it's rather cold outside,' says Alina which is something of an understatement. With the effect of the wind-chill, temperatures this week in Kyiv have hit -19°C. It is bitterly cold.
'I live in a new building on the 17th floor, but we have no elevator, no electricity, and no water supply,' says Alina. As Taras plays with his toys, she mentions it is also a relatively safe and comfortable place for her daughter to meet friends.
Alina also shares the heartbreak of having lost her father in the war two years ago, illustrating the human cost of the ongoing conflict alongside the day-to-day challenges posed by this winter.
Kyiv's Mayor, Vitali Klitschko, suggested that residents consider leaving the city temporarily, a comment that has drawn criticism as a sign of defeatism. Yet, despite hardship, many remain stoic, prepared to endure the difficulties of living in a city facing constant threats from Russian attacks.
In another part of the city, Ihor and Yulia struggle with similar challenges, explaining that heating their apartment by any means possible, even if it means using a gas stove to warm bricks.
Each story reflects the wider situation of the city: a struggle against environmental challenges and the repercussions of ongoing military conflict. While 'Invincibility Trains' provide a temporary refuge from the cold and stress, the ongoing war looms large, making every day uncertain for the residents of Kyiv.
