Ukrainians flock to beaches in show of defiance despite Russian threats

DEFIANT Kyiv residents return to the city’s riverside beaches as their beleaguered nation faced the threat of a Russian cruise missile blitz. Dozens relaxed on the sand while others took a dip in the Dnieper river despite ongoing bombardments at Kharkiv and Dnipro in the country’s north and centre. Peter JordanUkrainians cooled off at the Dnieper River near Kyiv[/caption] Sophia Misiac, 18, who fled Kyiv in February to escape an onslaught, said: “It feels incredible to be back. “I missed Kyiv and my home so much.” Pal Sophia Alexeiyenko, 18, said: “I feel safe here now. It feels no different to before.” Ukraine’s Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky said yesterday there was no danger of an attack on the capital, but warned a threat could quickly emerge. Russia’s navy is said to have 40 cruise missiles aimed at Ukraine and has warned of “increased attacks”. Western officials said 20,000 Russians have died in the war so far. READ MORE UKRAINE 'SCARED' Brit fighters captured in Ukraine forced to call The Sun and beg for their lives ZEL-FIE Defiant Volodymyr Zelensky poses for selfie on bombarded Ukraine frontline News Group Newspapers LtdUkrainians had fun in the rivers to enjoy a rare moment of relief from war[/caption] News Group Newspapers LtdUkrainians in Kyiv say they feel safe, despite bombardments elsewhere in the country[/caption]