Actress Olga Sumska recounts surviving the Lukyanivka strike and life under constant shelling

Life in Kyiv Amid Ongoing Attacks: Olga Sumska’s Story

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: Ukrainian actress Olga Sumska has opened up about her daily reality in Kyiv during relentless shelling, focusing on the recent Russian attack on the Lukyanivka district that destroyed a shopping center and a market. She lives less than a kilometer from the blast site alongside her husband, Vitaliy Borysyuk. Despite the imminent danger, the couple has no plans to relocate to a safer area.

According to Sumska, they remain in the capital due to work commitments and theater performances. When massive bombardments occur, the family takes shelter in a parking garage. She explained: 'We live less than a kilometer from the epicenter. Lukyanivka is our home-our market, all those buildings. We ran out of the apartment amid explosions, jumped into the elevator. But this isn’t the first time.'

'We live less than a kilometer from the epicenter. Lukyanivka is our home-our market, all those buildings. We ran out of the apartment amid explosions, jumped into the elevator. But this isn’t the first time.' Olga Sumska

She also emphasized that the family must stay together; otherwise, leaving their native city would be unthinkable. 'We don’t have the option to go anywhere right now because we have tours, we have work,' she said. Sumska expressed gratitude for the chance to organize live fundraising events, adding: 'We are extremely thankful for that. We can hold some collections in person.'

Holding Onto Hope

Amid the war, the family remains in Kyiv, striving to maintain a normal life while clinging to optimism. 'We have to be here together. Otherwise, what-would everyone leave? That’s impossible, simply impossible. Because this is everything we hold dear. I’m ready to kiss the chestnut trees,' Sumska concluded.

As the conflict grinds on, many Ukrainians like Olga Sumska face the tough choice of staying in their hometowns despite the threats. Their decisions are often driven not only by personal reasons but also by professional obligations that require their presence in the capital. The situation in Kyiv and other cities under fire highlights the critical role of community and mutual support during these trying times.

Similar to Olga Sumska's determination to remain in Kyiv despite the dangers, Olena Topolya also refuses to evacuate her children as the shelling continues. Their stories reflect the resilience of many families choosing to stay in their hometowns, emphasizing the importance of community and normalcy during these challenging times.