Empty storefronts and eerie silence defined Kyiv's streets on February 24 as air raid sirens echoed across the Ukrainian capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of a \"special military operation\" in the Donbas region triggered rapid changes in the city, captured in real-time by CGTN Stringer footage.
Residents reported sparse traffic and shuttered businesses, with one local describing the atmosphere as \"a tense quiet before uncertainty.\" Social media posts from Kyiv showed civilians stocking supplies and monitoring updates. Analysts note this escalation follows weeks of diplomatic stalemate, though global reactions remain divided. The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session as world leaders called for de-escalation.
For young travelers and digital nomads, Ukraine's evolving situation underscores the interconnectedness of geopolitics and daily life. Sports fans also await potential impacts on Ukraine's national teams, while entrepreneurs watch how emerging markets respond to instability.
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Stringer Dispatch: Shops closed, very little traffic on Kyiv streets
cgtn.com
