'Invincibility marathon': Kiev holds its first major race since the start of the war

A parenthesis in the horror of war. Thousands of runners took part in a marathon in Kiev this weekend, the first of such magnitude held in Ukraine since the Russian invasion of the country began in early 2022. Last year, the event, called the "Marathon of Invincibility," was cancelled. This time, more than 5000,5 people were able to gather around distances ranging from 42 to <> kilometers for Sunday's event.

" READ ALSO War in Ukraine: "The conflict can last for many years"

"You have to try to make your life easier, by any means possible," said Vlada, a 32-year-old participant, adding that "if sport helps you cope with anxiety or other difficult situations in life, you have to do it."

Russia will strike Ukraine again

Half of the revenue will be used to purchase military equipment for the Ukrainian army. The race came as Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal warned last week that Russia had launched a new campaign of airstrikes on the country's energy infrastructure.

Last winter, Ukraine's grid was repeatedly attacked, depriving millions of people of electricity, heat and water, including in Kiev.