On July 6, 2026, a Ukrainian volunteer encountered a familiar scene as she responded to fresh Russian attacks on Kyiv. Kateryna Tereshkova, 45, discovered the strike site was the same apartment complex she aided just a month before. She expressed a sense of disbelief, sharing, “It’s a strange feeling because, you know, you always have hope everything is going to be okay.”
Usually, attacks are spread across different districts, but this attack targeted a previously repaired location. Residents greeted Tereshkova with dark humor. Some recalled her previous efforts, joking about the repairs on their balconies, only to have their apartments destroyed again. “The sense of humor is the main root of our nation,” she noted.
A Ukrainian official reported the attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 22 people in Kyiv and surrounding areas. These incidents highlighted the vulnerabilities in Ukraine’s air defense system, underscoring their reliance on U.S. Patriot systems to intercept threats.
The Russian Defense Ministry attributed the increased attacks to retaliate against Ukraine’s recent long-range strikes. Tereshkova’s team was fatigued, having barely recovered from prior strikes. “We just had one and a half days for sleeping,” Tereshkova explained, as they continued supporting firefighting efforts at a fuel station struck days earlier.
Before becoming a full-time volunteer, Tereshkova worked in Kyiv’s restaurant and nightlife sector. She began volunteering in 2014 and renewed her commitment following the 2022 invasion. Her response process is now routine: clearing debris, removing broken windows or doors, and sealing openings with plastic or wood.
Despite fatigue, Tereshkova occasionally revisits her old nightclubs to unwind. She feels driven to her cause, saying, “I feel tired sometimes, but I don’t know how it’s working for me… I’m always ready to continue.” Acknowledging the need for rest, she added, “I just need, from time to time, to have some sleep. After that, okay, let’s go.”
This report includes contributions from The Associated Press.