RUSSIAN MISSILES
Nowhere in Ukraine is safe, but the same can be said of anywhere in the world, what with Islamic terrorism on the rise in European cities and mass shootings in America not even making headline news anymore.
That two dozen people of 800,000 in Lviv have been killed by russian missiles in over two years is an example of the real time risk.
Having said that, risk exists, and our survival instinct kicks in when the air alarm sounds. Warnings on Telegram channels instill a modicum of fear in all of us, especially when they arrive at 4am.
If you are fortunate enough to have a basement in your place of residence, it can be your safe space during air alarms. Most basement shelters in Lviv are in poor condition, but go there nonetheless.
If a basement is not an option, obey the two walls rule, that is, put two walls between you and the outside world. Flying glass is dangerous, it can blind you. A cruise missile was shot down over south Lviv on December 29th, 2023 and many people were injured - by flying glass. Two walls. Don't forget it.
Everyone in Lviv has two power banks, one that will keep a phone charged for two days, another for four days. russia is targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure so there is a real possibility of no electricity.
Kyivstar was hacked on December 12th, 2023 and subscribers had no internet, no SMS service and no possibility to make calls for between two days and one week, so always have a second SIM handy. lifeCell or Vodafone are the backup providers you might want to look up.
We have martial law in Ukraine and that includes Lviv. Many restrictions are in place but they don't affect everyone. The most important rule to obey is curfew hours. Stay indoors between 11pm and 5am. There is flexibility before midnight as people wend their way home, but not thereafter.
If you are on the streets in the small hours, you'll be stopped and checked by traffic police or night patrols. Foreigners will likely be ticked off, locals will be assessed for mobilization.
You will notice that food prices are increasing month on month. It's wise to stock up and be selective as regards where you shop. Supplies are stable but it might not always be like this, so stay aware and economize.
Don't panic when the air alarm sounds. The most dangerous missile in the russian arsenal is called Kinzhal, "Dagger". It can reach Lviv from russia in less than 7 minutes and is difficult to shoot down, but you can do a lot in 7 minutes.
If you see warnings on Telegram about this type of missile launched from MiG-31 fighter jets, don't ignore them. There are variants, other hypersonic missiles, and a new Mach 10 nuclear-capable IRBM (Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile) they call "Oreshnik".
Oreshnik can carry a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) payload, think nuclear cluster munition. russia has already used this type of payload against Ukraine, over Dnipro on November 21st, 2024, but without explosives.
The intention was "political gesture". Had explosives been used, the city of Dnipro would have been partially destroyed. A second launch from Astrakhan region was attempted on February 6th. but it crashed, Kyiv the likely target. All of this as close the world has ever come to nuclear war.
To conclude our wartime 101, "stay safe" (post-pandemic Brit-speak) and do your best to help, be that volunteering in person or disseminating information online about russian atrocities in Ukraine.
In Lviv Tours is just a tour operator, but we have taken the opportunity to (i) set out the facts concerning russian terrorism in Ukraine and (ii) negate russian disinformation. There are many ways to be a force for good and everyone has the responsibility to contribute.
✍ by Pete Gr on March 8th, 2024.