In Ukraine, the ongoing conflict has brought a new kind of fear to civilians: the constant threat of drone attacks. This persistent anxiety has led some to coin the term "dronophobia," a fear of drones that is becoming increasingly common. Despite the psychological toll, many Ukrainians continue to try to live their lives as normally as possible. In July 2025, Ihor*, a 57-year-old man from Kiev, found himself in a courtroom for the first time in his life after firing from his balcony in April, thinking he was shooting at a drone. He later realized the drone was not real, but the incident highlights the deep stress and confusion that drone alerts can cause. Drones have become a more common sight than birds in parts of Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in 2022. Their presence has forced people to adapt, with protective measures like nets placed over roads to catch falling debris from explosions. The psychological impact is significant, with some areas experiencing nearly 2,000 drone attacks in a single week by late August. In the city of Kramatorsk, residents have started sleeping with windows open to avoid the risk of glass shards from potential drone strikes, according to Patrice Moyon, a journalist from Ouest-France who has visited Ukraine multiple times since early 2022. The sound of drones, often mistaken for a moped or a lawnmower, has become a trigger for trauma. In Kiev, the noise has become part of the collective memory, causing anxiety and disrupting sleep. Lesya Martseniuk, a psychologist with Médecins Sans Frontières in Kiev, explains that many patients cannot identify the source of the noise but associate it with danger. Those who have been injured by drones often relive the experience in nightmares, showing the deep psychological scars left by the conflict. On the front lines, both soldiers and civilians live in a constant state of hypervigilance, unsure whether a drone is theirs or the enemy’s. In Kherson, Russian forces have been accused of using drone strikes against civilians, with the United Nations describing these attacks as "crimes against humanity." These strikes have targeted people at funerals, while shopping or playing, leaving lasting psychological scars on those who survived. Despite the trauma, life in Ukraine continues. People read books, organize parades, and drink coffee, finding ways to maintain a sense of normalcy. Patrice Moyon recalls the first time he encountered a drone in the center of Kiev, noting how quickly life resumed after an attack. Lesya Martseniuk agrees, pointing out that some people go to cafes even after attacks, finding solace in routine. This resilience is a testament to the strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of ongoing challenges.