- who finances? everything goes to war, even post-victory, focus will be on replenishing and criticial infra.

- shelters? only a handful of people with kids go to them

Much of that was due to the fact that communists weren't so bent on squeezing as much value as possible from every square meter of land.

Meanwhile in more modern architecture the (built in 2002) block neighbouring mine is spaced a regulatory-approved 7 metres away - windows facing. My relative lives in an even newer apartment which has windows facing the southwest only. AC becomes a necessity in such circumstances.

I can't recall ever seeing panel blocks where you could peer into your neighbour's apartment like that. In all the instances I can think of both blocks have blank walls there.

Another issue is centralized heating. Problems begin when they start repairing the pipes, going six months without hot water is normal. Insulation is a must, usually done on credit at your own expense.

These buildings are completely lacking in bomb resistance. Of course, there are many types and configurations, for example, I lived in Odessa in some fairly decent panel buildings that were apparently built for a few from the USSR Politburo, so probably elite.

Living underground is hell. It’s better to solve the problem politically with reliable air defense systems. On top of that, terrible high-tech bombs keep getting more advanced and basements could end up costing more than the houses built above them.

The outskirts of Kharkiv are a tragedy, condolences.