There was an uncertain atmosphere at the Kiev railway station on Monday, as the train schedules were not properly understood. Instead, the will to fight in the local home security forces has risen in recent days.
On Monday Kiev woke up to the fifth day of the war in a partly contradictory mood.
The distress of the fleeing Ukrainians is real, but on the other hand, the news of the surprising success of the Ukrainian forces in the urban war has raised the mood in the minds of the citizens.
Photographer Niklas Meltio moved to Kiev on Monday to photograph local volunteer “home security forces”. The troops are made up of volunteer civilians who register for government service and thereby obtain their weapons.
Troops are just starting to operate in an old industrial area: making Molotov cocktails and guarding the streets of their hometowns. There are checkpoints in the suburbs of Kiev along the city’s entrance and exit routes.
According to Meltion, there are a lot of enthusiastic applicants for the job, but it takes time for those willing to enter the positions due to bureaucracy.
On Monday at the troop checkpoint, Meltio met, among other things Romewoman who served as a troop feeder. He had just brought food to the troops when Meltio arrived on the scene with his camera.
A woman named Roma brought food in carts to civilians overseeing security in Kiev.
People’s will to fight is now high and there is clearly enthusiasm in the air thanks to support from the world.
“A couple of weeks ago there was a more depressed mood. Now the mentality has improved, even though the situation is kind of worse, ”says Meltio.
He believes the reason is also the better-than-expected success of the Ukrainians in the fighting.
The lunch brought by Rome was valid for the volunteer home security forces.
Civilians participating in the home security forces dined in an old industrial area where they held a checkpoint.
Molotov cocktails made by civilians.
Home security checkpoint on the outskirts of Kiev.
A man in the home security forces carried a smoke grenade.
The troop checkpoint is located in an old industrial area on the outskirts of Kiev. According to photographer Niklas Meltion, there are several such points around the city.
Long queues accumulate in front of the still open Kiev shops.
Atmosphere Kiev railway station is completely different. In a panic, people are trying to get to safety with their relatives all over Ukraine.
On Monday, the station was quite crowded. No one knows when the trains will leave. People just come in and wait, Meltio says.
Children are easily left behind by large crowds. Although the aim is to get children and women on the trains first, every now and then adult men seek out the carriages.
Meltio speculates that car-driven Kyivs left the city soon after the Russian invasion began last week. Those who do not have their own car go to the train station.
Not everyone can get on board.
“People have a goal and they’re ready to queue up, but there’s clearly panic getting out of town.”
Departures gathered at the twilight Kiev railway station on Monday.
Sad departure from Kiev railway station.
Hundreds of people were waiting at the edge of the track to get out of the Ukrainian capital.
The toddler sat on the adult’s lap.
Confused glances at the train station.
The little boys with their beanies were moving around the train station in the midst of the hustle and bustle of people.
The situation in Kiev on Monday looked quite confusing as people crowded around the station area.
A child sitting on the shoulders of an adult had a plush toy with him on the way.
Two girls dressed in quilted clothes sat at the train station with their luggage.
The woman left Kiev railway station. There are a lot of aspirants to the trains, and not everyone can fit in at once.
The daughter comforted her crying mother at the Kiev railway station. In the backpack, the girl had a colorful plush toy.
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