Cherson, Ukraine Endures Daily Drone Attacks as Residents Adapt

Cherson, situated on the Dnipro River, has become one of Ukraine's most dangerous cities. Since its liberation in autumn 2022, it has been targeted almost every day by Russian‑occupied forces, with the greatest threat now coming from drones that strike buses, emergency crews and civilians.

Bus driver Maksym, with 17 years of experience, now wears a ballistic vest and helmet and knows how to move passengers into shelters within seconds of an alarm. Theater organizer Oleksandra Knyha coordinates cultural events and arranges trips for children to safer regions, while her family helps the community. For three years, Liudmyla Rubanyak has spent each night in an underground bunker with neighbours, finding relative safety below ground.

Despite the constant danger, the city keeps functioning: public transport resumes each morning, cultural activities continue, and residents rely on mutual aid to maintain a semblance of normal life. The report is presented as a podcast by the FUNKE Mediengruppe.