A good night’s rest, thanks to bombing lull

FILE — Residents shelter during an air raid alarm in a subway station in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 10, 2023. In contrast to the previous winter, an unusually long lull in Russian bombing has left people in the Ukrainian capital feeling well-rested, healthier and more productive as of November 2023, many said. (Emile Ducke/The New York Times)

FOR month after endless month, nights in Kyiv were punctuated by the wail of air raid sirens and the sound of explosions from missile and drone attacks. An unusually long lull recently in nighttime bombardments of the city by Russian forces allowed residents to do something they had been dreaming of – finally getting some sleep.

“I really feel the difference,” said Anastasia Tsvion, looking rested after a good night’s sleep, undisturbed by missiles dropping or sirens going off and forcing her to seek safety in a nearby subway station.