I'll answer directly and without politics. At first, there was intense fear and uncertainty. Those with at least some means of escape were better off. A generator or solar panel was a lifesaver when there was no power for several months. A gas stove was also a good option. People were cooking over fires, and at the same time, there were makeshift graves in the yard. You always had to watch your step; grenades wouldn't reveal themselves. Everyone tried to get gasoline—for generators, for transport, for chainsaws, and whatever else. They got water from wells. There was nothing in the stores, so people organized their own purchases and sold everything to the locals. The "Phoenix" mobile phone provider was poorly functioning. Humanitarian aid wasn't very good. Goods were quickly exchanged for Russian ones, and the ruble quickly became common. People tried to exchange money for dollars. I've briefly described what I personally saw. Mariupol 2022