Many families in Ukraine were dreaming of international holidays before the Russian assault, now they are going to beaches in Kyiv in the hope of some respite. However, despite summer temperatures, the beaches are mostly scarce
A family sits on the sandy shores of the Dnipro river that runs through the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on July 2, 2022. Ivan Sukhanov and his family used to holiday by the Black Sea. This summer they are gong no further than the banks of the Dnipro river in the heart of Kyiv. Four months after Russian troops marched into Ukraine in February "we're getting used to it," says the electrical engineer. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP)​
Kyiv, Ukraine: Ivan Sukhanov and his family used to holiday by the Black Sea. This year, the family from Kyiv dreamt of travelling to Egypt. Then Russian troops invaded.
Now, they're going no further than the banks of the Dnipro river in the Ukrainian capital to have as normal a holiday as they can, in very abnormal circumstances.
"We wanted to show the children the pyramids, but the war ruined our plans," says the 41-year-old electrical engineer.
"This year, we're enjoying what's around Kyiv, the lakes, the parks... We're relaxing as best we can".
Kyiv boasts many sandy beaches, usually crowded during the hot summer months.