In Lviv, life goes on normally, but people are preparing for the expansion of the war and the invasion of Russia.
In the center of Lviv in western Ukraine, the sun is shining and people are trading in used books. However, the reality of the war is near and present, ‘s special editor Mika Mäkeläinen says.
– When we drove from the border here to Lviv, there were several roadblocks and equipment on the way. Here, preparations are being made for the expansion of the war and the Russian invasion, even though Russia has so far carried out only occasional air strikes in western Ukraine, Mäkeläinen says.
Mäkeläinen and photographer Benjamin Suomela traveled to Lviv via Poland yesterday Friday. Life on the surface in Lviv continues normally. There is food in the shops. Electricity, gas and internet work.
– The situation could get much worse. It is reminiscent of constant air alerts, most recently early this morning. I didn’t even wake up to it myself, Mäkeläinen says and explains that he had a dream debt.
Russia’s airstrikes have so far not claimed civilian casualties in Lviv.