The darkest hour is that before the dawn — how Ukrainians are surviving wartime conditions

In sub-zero conditions, Ukrainians battle blackouts and frozen water pipes to withstand the Russian onslaught

Candles made by Ukrainians during the blackouts for Ukrainian soldiers. "We twist the cardboard, put it in a tin and fill it with paraffin, beeswax or synthetic wax," says Olena Mishchenko. 

"If a person comes in not crumpled, it means his house is connected to critical infrastructure, and the light wasn't turned off. The rest, usually, are in different socks.” 

Despite the Russian missile attacks, Ukrainians haven’t lost heart and manage to find a reason for jokes, even in situations where there is no water and light for several days.