Voice of Ukraine

From: Maia Mikhaluk (838th day)

There is this “joke”/non-joke making rounds on Ukrainian Facebook: “In 2021 I was planning trips abroad, in 2024, I plan a trip in an elevator”. This might be an example of insider humor that would need explanation for outsiders.

Most people in Ukrainian cities live in multi-storied buildings. We have friends who live on the 26th floor with beautiful views. But what seems like a great advantage at peaceful times presents a few challenges now. During extended blackouts when elevators don’t work you get a lot of free exercise walking up the stairs. We do have a schedule of when approximately the power gets cut off in each area, though it can also be cut at unexpected times. So first of all you plan your elevator use, especially when you come back with heavy grocery bags, and then you pray hard when you push the button of your floor, the doors close and the elevator starts moving – you pray that power won’t cut off and you wouldn’t get stuck. So while walking the stairs improves physical fitness, one might say elevator rides improve one’s prayer life.

Last week, Briana and I went out for a walk outside and felt brave enough to take the elevator. We got down safely, but then the power got cut off a minute later (not according to schedule).

When I return from outside with Briana, I usually call Sasha to let her know that we are going into the elevator. This way, if we are not there in a few minutes, she will know we are stuck and will be looking for help.

In the winter of 2023 when there were many blackouts, people set up emergency boxes in the elevators of their buildings – with some water and snacks. When power is cut off, you are stuck in the dark box – sometimes, it could be for quite a while. Planning elevator rides is not a joke but a reality.