local
‘Only fools are not afraid’: Ukrainians adapt to life under constant Russian drone attacks
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 18, 2026
· 8 min read
By Daria Tarasova-Markina, Svitlana Vlasova, Lauren Kent, CNN
(CNN) — Nikopol, in southern Ukraine, rarely makes the headlines – overshadowed by the threats to the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant directly across the river. But this city on the front line of Russia’s full-scale invasio...
Key takeaway “We’ve actually grown somewhat accustomed to the danger, though the feeling of fear never really goes away,” said Oleksandr Varytsev, a poet who also runs a local charity that provides hot meals for elderly and disabled people.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The plight of Ukrainian cities like Nikopol under constant Russian drone attacks resonates with El Paso 's own experience of living near an international border. While the threats are vastly different, the concept of adapting to a new reality is familiar to El Pasoans who have grown accustomed to the complexities of border life. The idea that civilians in Nikopol must change their daily behaviors to avoid becoming targets is a stark reminder that, even in El Paso, the consequences of global conflicts can be felt locally. As El Paso continues to navigate its own unique set of border-related challenges, the story of Nikopol's resilience serves as a reminder of the importance of community cohesion and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. The city's efforts to support its most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, are particularly noteworthy, and El Paso can learn from these examples as it addresses its own social and economic challenges.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Daria Tarasova-Markina, Svitlana Vlasova, Lauren Kent, CNN
(CNN) — Nikopol, in southern Ukraine, rarely makes the headlines – overshadowed by the threats to the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant directly across the river. But this city on the front line of Russia’s full-scale invasio...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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