A series of fires broke out on the left bank of Kyiv as a result of a Russian attack on the night of January 20. This led to the formation of smog, which has been detected in various areas of the capital. The pollution can be harmful to Kyiv residents and visitors to the city, so they are advised to take measures to avoid contact with harmful substances.
As noted by the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Adaptation of the Kyiv City State Administration, the smell of smoke indicates pollution. After the explosions, it can be smelled in specific areas — either near the sites of the strikes or where the wind carries it.
Meteorological conditions affect the spread of pollutants contained in smog. The wind can disperse harmful particles or lift them into the air above the ground. In any case, pollution is harmful to residents. It can cause exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as cardiovascular diseases.
Monitoring disruptions
Enemy shelling has caused power outages. As a result, stationary monitoring stations that analyze air quality in Kyiv in real time are temporarily experiencing disruptions.
The department warned that if the equipment remains without power for a long time, information on atmospheric air quality may be unavailable. As a result, daily reports may contain incomplete data or be unavailable for a certain period of time.
Actions to protect against smog
If smoke is detected, the capital's administration advises people to follow these recommendations:
- Close windows to limit the entry of polluted air into indoor spaces;
- Limit time outdoors as much as possible;
- Drink more fluids, preferably clean water;
- If possible, use air purifiers.
EcoPolitic previously reported that due to the shelling of Ternopil, the level of hazardous substances in the city's air increased sixfold.
Air pollution in Ukrainian cities is an alarming issue not only in the context of the war. During the first half of 2025, Dnipropetrovsk region traditionally became the “leader” of this anti-rating. You can read about the 10 most polluted cities in Ukraine following this link.
