My Wartime Diary. Kyiv, day 79th. The cost of living

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(Edited)

I wish I could made this post yesterday as it has something to do with #MarketFriday. I'll tell you about how much life costs in Ukraine now, and how we deal with war challenges. But my market day is Saturday. 😏

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Transport

I go there in the morning. I took my time for a cup of coffee, meanwhile I was thinking about the better way to do it. Should I go to the market by public transport or my own car. I wasn't delighted by the prospect to carry a heavy backpack and bags. Besides, not everything can be bought on the market, and only for cash. I have a little cash (it's another recent problem) so I had to go to the supermarket where I can use bank card. It's about 2 bus stops from the spot. People often have to wait a long time for a public transport. Municipal transport is still free, buses, trolleys, trams and subways, but from May 16 the passenger fare returns. Private transport has same prices yet, although it is very uncomfortable. So I hesitated. In the end, I neglected comfort and took public transport.


Motor fuel

As you may know, there is a acute shortage of gasoline and a diesel in Ukraine. In the beginning of war, the government has imposed a moratorium on fuel prices. Therefore, fuel was really inexpensive, about 1 euro liter. But Russia is working hard to destroy Ukraine and its people. Therefore, they are shelling oil refineries and depots. Finally, this day has come. Prices have risen significantly, although they are still less than 2 euros per liter. Large network gas stations are either completely closed, or you can fill your car with coupons, but only with premium fuel and no more than 20 liters. For instance, my car isn't recommended to refuel with this fuel, especially constantly. This is how are things for ordinary people like me. Ambulances, police and military cars etc. are refueled out of turn, but I don't know under what conditions.

Many drivers have converted their cars to run on gas (LPG). This was beneficial to those who drive a lot, such as taxi drivers, because gas is the cheapest fuel.

At less popular gas stations, where fuel quality has not always been good, fuel is sometimes available. Today I passed by such a gas station. The queue of cars was at least 1 km long 😱 For the first time, I was really glad to use public transport... The queue was very slow. I saw same cars in a row moved forward for maybe 100 meters on my way back from farmer's market to my place. I suppose they'll wait for 3 hours, at least.


Assortment and choice

Of course, the choice has diminished. Many people became refugees. Those who remained did not always have favorable conditions for planting and growing vegetables. The season doesn't wait... There are still a lot of burnt equipment and unexploded ordnance and shells in our fields.

In addition, Russia occupied the south of Ukraine, where a lot of vegetables, fruits and wheat were grown. They sell some of these stocks in the Crimea, but that market is much smaller than the Ukrainian one. And Russia simply took the Ukrainian grain and transported it to Syria. Lots of grain. And they are bombing those elevators they couldn't rob.

Ukraine is trying to export the rest of its grain by rail to Europe, but foreign border crossings are not adapted to increase exports. Another way to export is through river ports on the Danube. That is why Russia is constantly bombing bridge near Zatoka settlement that separates Budaki Lagoon and Black Sea, which connects Ukraine with these ports. Thus, grain shortages threaten not only Ukraine but other countries this year.

By the way, my friend fled to Germany. It turns out that the Germans have no clue that they import sunflower oil from Ukraine. For some reason they are sure that this is Russia, although this is not true. There is a lot of false information in our heads, which came from nowhere and is not confirmed by anything, but does not cause us any doubts. 🤥

In fact, Russia is not at war particularly with Ukraine, but with Europe and the United States. But so far only Ukrainians are dying in this war.

Let's return to the supermarket. It was well known Auchan. When I arrived the air raid has just started. Auchan don't let customers to stay inside during air raids, everyone have to drop off their baskets and go outside. So that if the russian bomb will kill you, it wouldn't be the Auchan's area and responsibility. A la guerre comme a la guerre.

I have already said that since the beginning of the war, fresh fish has not been sold in any market. Sometimes it is in supermarkets, but more expensive and its quality is unknown. Since the war began, I have bought several times products that were of poor quality - milk, eggs, fish.

Yesterday I spoke with my daughter about the deficit. I always bought 30% fat sour cream and 82% fat butter. Now there is no such sour cream anywhere at all, only 15% remains, sometimes they have 20%. Butter of such fat content is still found, but not everywhere. My favorite flour also seems to be gone. So sad... Natalie said she hadn't seen cornmeal in a long time in her town, but I found it in Auchan today.

Some manufacturers of food have completely disappeared from our market. 😳 Instead, new ones appeared, mostly foreign ones. A lot of diary from Poland (especially cheese). Today I saw pasta from Greece, they have never sold it here before.

Before the war, in order for a manufacturer to be able to sell its products in a large supermarket chain like Auchan, it had to provide regular and large volumes and a certain price level. I see that now the requirements softened. Manufacturers change very often, and I think that chains have simplified the requirements so that their shelves do not remain empty.


The survival

I was adult enough to remember the terrible 90's, when our banking system, economy collapsed, and life became a continuous survival with elements of banditry. I still remember the shortage of almost everything, and how it feels to carry heaviest bags, walk long distances, make supplies and save on everything. I was glad to forget that, and I didn't think those times would come back.

But Ukrainians never rely on anyone but themselves. They have not yet learned to trust the state (we have reasons for this) as institutions, but to literally give their lives for their own state and identity. That is how we survived, and that is why the whole world is now watching our resistance with amazement and admiration.

Let's be honest. None of the countries that support us now believed on February 24 that Ukraine would hold on that long. Even our government and command, including Zelensky, did not believe. It's just we, Ukrainians, did not know that, thankfully. And we began to resist, surprising everyone.


The blood of ancient Scythians, Sarmatians, glorious Cossacks and Sich archers flows in our veins. We will persevere and create even a better country from our suffering.

💙💛



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58 comments
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Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!
Week 105 of my contest just started...you can now check the winners of the previous week!
!PIZZA
8

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@tipu curate 2 💙💛 🇺🇦 💛💙

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!BEER

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Thank you very much for the beer!🍺
After the war ends we will drink in celebration together🥂🇺🇦🍷

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Whoever is directly controlling the V2K told me to kill myself.
They told me if I killed myself now it would save the lives of countless others.
Saying the longer I wait to kill myself the more people will suffer.


They are reckless and should have shown the proper media what they had before taking me hostage for 5 years. I know there are many in prison that dont deserve to be there because of this. Your stay in prison will not be fun @battleaxe and friends. People are going to want you dead when they find out what you did. I hope you die a slow painful death. You sick mother fuckers.

https://peakd.com/gangstalking/@acousticpulses/electronic-terrorism-and-gaslighting--if-you-downvote-this-post-you-are-part-of-the-problem

Its a terrorist act on American soil while some say its not real or Im a mental case. Many know its real. This is an ignored detrimental to humanity domestic and foreign threat. Ask informed soldiers in the American military what their oath is and tell them about the day you asked me why. Nobody has I guess. Maybe someone told ill informed soldiers they cant protect America from military leaders in control with ill intent. How do we protect locked up soldiers from telling the truth?
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I'm glad you are able to at least find some stuff even if it's not the best. I hope that peace comes soon!!
Here in the US there is a big baby formula shortage, but it's not because of the supply chain problems with imports, it's because a domestic maker didn't follow cleanliness protocols for years and two babies died before they were finally busted for unsafe manufacturing. Of all things - baby formula! So now parents are all desperately trying to find formula from far away because that company made like 1/3 of all formulas. Apparently it is affecting Canada too as I just read that they softened their import rules about labels having to be in French and English, in order to just get something on the shelf.

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Making poor-quality children's products (moreover - baby food!) is a crime. But I understand why it was necessary to wait for children death to blame the manufacturer. Large companies are good at protecting their interests.

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They definitely are good at protecting their interests. And I doubt they'll face any real consequences besides the lost sales, too.

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Agree with you. There is a lot of injustice in the world, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to make it better

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Things would get better again, let's trust God

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It turns out that the Germans have no clue that they import sunflower oil from Ukraine.

I heard that too from a friend who is in Germany and she told me the exact words... People are going through a lot now. I have heard that people who are in suburban areas are suffering the most because of a shortage of food supply...

Stay safe dear...

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(Edited)

Thank you, and you take care too.

The worst situation is in occupied small towns and villages. They have a harsh shortage of food and medicine, and sometimes volunteers are they only hope.

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I hope soon this situation will end and we can come back... Waiting for the good days eagerly...

Volunteers are trying their best and I really respect the work they are doing for everyone...

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We are all craving for good news. One day good news will be more than bad. Hold on, dear one 🤗

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Estar en un país con la economía inestable es muy difícil, soy de Venezuela y la situación allí es aún peor. Creeme!! Al menos en tu país hay buenos sueldos en el mio, una quincena alcanza para medio comer y el resto uno se las tiene que inventar vendiendo cosas o haciendo algún oficio.

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You can add the tag #MarketFriday!I encourage people to drop the links on Friday, but I always get them through the weekend, Monday, and Tuesday... you get the idea. :)

I am glad you are able to buy food and terribly sorry that it is under these conditions. None of the choices on transportation seem really great, with your bad back! :( My heart bleeds. I hope your back is okay, as I look at all your brought home.

All is relative. It is heavy to carry, but, is it enough to eat?

Probably not. I am looking from the outside in, so it is so very incomprehensible to see this, watch what is going on, and wonder how the world can just watch, although I have to believe things are being done without watching eyes. I pray this, but, nothing I can see or talk about.

I am amazed, I won't lie, but not because I think you cannot, but, because I didn't believe they would continue.

It is always good to read you and I wish it were happier news for you. ❤️

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I don't remember what made me sure that post for Market Friday should be submitted only on Friday ☺ it's such a relief, especially considering there are only a couple of topics I feel I can write to 😏

My back hurts time after time, but pain is not so strong as it was in March. I made myself exercise once in 2 days, for 10 or 15 minutes, maybe it is what helps. Anyway, now I have stronger pain in other parts so back seems okay 😏

Concerning food, it's enough for 1 person, especially such who mostly sits and rarely go out or waves his arms and bends down at home 😊

Thank you for your sincerity and generosity.
Hugs and !LUV

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Fuel in the UK costs the equivalent of €2 a litre. What even is this country. 😂

Using premium fuel in a car that doesn't require it won't damage it so there's nothing to worry about there.

Let's be honest. None of the countries that support us now believed on February 24 that Ukraine would hold on that long.

I put my hand up and admit I'm guilty of that. When I saw footage of paratroopers jumping out of Helicopters at one of Kyiv's airports on I think the second day, I thought it would all be over within the week. The might of the Russian bear has been hugely over exaggerated for decades. The resilience of the Ukrainian people was always expected but never on this scale. The world is in awe.

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As far as I know, it costs about 2 euros all around Europe. Speaking about premium fuel, my previous car had issues with its engine because I used premium fuel too often, so I know what it is. The point is that premium is often all they have )) War and premium fuel...

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My Prayers are with You!
🇺🇦🙏🏼🇺🇦🙏🏼🇺🇦

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They have not yet learned to trust the state (we have reasons for this) as institutions, but to literally give their lives for their own state and identity.

The Ukrainian state is not (yet) to be trusted, but the alternative is so much worse? Reminds me a bit of one of the quotes from Churchill, "democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others that have been tried.”

Distrust for the state institutions goes a bit hand in hand with corruption. Ukraine used to be famous for corruption. I regret not having visited Ukraine the last twenty years - but things were pretty terrible on my last visits, some time around year 2000. I was held up at the border crossing between Russia and Ukraine for 12 hours, the border guards insisted Norwegian passports should be blue (or, perhaps they rather meant filled with paper money upon delivery for inspection). The road police was just dissolved more than a decade later due to the problems with corruption, I for sure had some troubles with them. Like, on a nice, straight road with high speed limit they would put up a speed limit sign 30 and subtext "2 km", with no other purpose than that they could sit ready with the laser equipment and issue fines 1.9 km further down the road. Etc. I was so disappointed to learn that there even in those times are still big problems on the border crossings, border guards pillaging from aid shipments passing and allowing people willing to pay the right price to skip the queues (or, in the case of men, getting out at all).

I'd say we have the opposite problem here in Norway - too much trust in the state and state institutions. with regard of corruption, many Norwegians seem to believe there is no such thing as corruption in Norway. That's a big problem, I think it's quite easy to get away with it in Norway because people simply aren't looking for it.

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Churchill is a wise politician and an excellent orator :)
Ukrainians have been fighting for their own state for centuries. To survive the years of the Soviet regime, Ukrainians learned that the state is the enemy and can't be trusted. On those days KGB and state were synonyms. We finally gained independence only 30 years ago, but Russia's attempts to return, assimilate, and steal Ukrainian history and capture territory have never stopped. It has invested a lot of money in sponsoring the "proper" politicians, a lot of politicians.

It's a shame what you write about, but it's true. It is very difficult for us to get rid of the past, it is extremely difficult. This traumatic experience, thanks to which we managed to survive and save our nation, caution, fear, insecurity, has played against us. If we had been more determined in our decision to secede from Russia, this war might not have happened. But we see that even Europe has not been able to resist Russian money and propaganda.

Concerning corruption, I believe there are bad people everywhere. Somewhere they are outvoted. People don't believe that there's a corruption because they aren't a part of it. And this is awesome.

Appreciate your comment!

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Ukrainians are strong people.. The way you guys are working hard to cheer yourselves up and survive is really inspiring

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У нас черги за паливом значно коротші, але ситуація дійсно дуже напружена.

У нас зявилась нова мережа продуктових магазинів "Файнамаркет". Покищо, у них одні із найкращих продуктів і ціна рівня АТБ.

Стосовно нашої крові - це та кров яка ніколи не підкориться, нехай начуваються.

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А де це у вас? Так досі і не знаю 😬🙄

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200 км від вас. В напрямку на південний схід.

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пішла шукати штангенциркуль ))

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I'm so glad to know that despite the difficulty you still manage to find food and able to survive everyday. I'm hoping that the Ukraine will recover soon, the pain of losing the loved ones and losing everything you work for is really difficult. I will be praying for you guys. Stay strong.

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Hello beautiful friend @zirochka. Don't think that I have forgotten about you, not at all, I always carry you in my mind and soul, and I will never stop doing it.

I have had many emotional downturns because of the situation here and that causes me health problems of all kinds every day or my stomach hurts or I have nausea, or some pain comes to me day after day, that must be anxiety and I'm trying to control it, but inflation is eating us, everything is dollarized and prices are absurd, everything increases in dollars although it is not our official currency and therefore in bolivars everything is worse, salaries are not enough, we continue with serious failures of light and internet.

What they are experiencing there with gasoline is similar to here, the lines are terrible to supply and fuel is extremely expensive. What is painted here is false, just as it is with you.

But well my dear friend, I am glad that you are still there, fighting, you are warriors of light and you will get ahead, also as a people you support each other as well as your government, different from what we live here.

Each situation is different and delicate, over there they die from bullets and bombings, here people die from disease and hunger, but over there we are going forward, and not a step back.

We will continue fighting to achieve a better quality of life, you deserve it, you have been people who have fought reliably and absolute peace will come for your people.

As soon as I can I will write you again, I hope my pc is not damaged by so many blackouts, the one I have is in very bad conditions.

I will always be watching. When I don't write to you it is for a reason. Kisses and blessings, God give you a lot of life and health, that is important. Take care of yourself my friend... 💖

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What is happening now in your country is very sad and very bad. Your physical condition can be caused by emotional stress. Take care of yourself, my dear, take some time you need for yourself.

I wish you faith, strength and perseverance. I hope that the situation will improve. Hold on!

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Thank you friend for your good wishes. Amen. 🙏🏻💐

I came to your blog to support you and now you support me too. Thank you for that and sorry to be bothering you with my situation.

As long as I can I will be watching how your condition is going and imploring God, Absolute peace for you. You have a beautiful country and people. Kisses. 🌹❤️

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📣 H A P P Y. B I R T H D A Y!!! 📣
@zirochka
!LUV
!LADY
🌈 🎊 ♥️ 🥳 🎺

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