In the spotlight is the commemoration of the Russia-Ukraine war anniversary.
In a photo series captured by Claire Harbage for NPR, we see individuals from various professions and regions in Ukraine. These include lawyer Liudmyla Lysenko in Kyiv, restaurant co-owner Iryna Savchenko in Kramatorsk, tour guide Artem Vasyuta in Odesa, homemaker Nataliya Kucherenko in the Sumy region, obstetrician Iryna Kulbach in Dnipro, and architect Max Rozenfeld in Kharkiv.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine traces back a decade to Russia’s annexation of Crimea, followed by a violent invasion in eastern Ukraine involving Russian troops. This conflict escalated two years ago into a full-scale invasion by Russia, impacting every corner of Ukraine.
NPR recently connected with individuals in six Ukrainian cities to shed light on how they have adjusted to living in a war-torn country while holding onto hope. This feature captures the resilience and adaptation of people amidst the Russia-Ukraine war anniversary.
Exploring Odesa in Commemoration of the Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary
**Exploring Odesa Amidst the Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary**
In Odesa, a city steeped in history, a striking image catches the eye – a historic map adorning a wall, a testament to the city’s rich past. The credit for this captivating visual goes to Claire Harbage from NPR.
Artem Vasyuta, a dedicated tour guide, showcases his beloved city, Odesa, even amidst the turmoil of war. His role goes beyond mere guiding; it’s about narrating Odesa’s narrative, one that intricately weaves in the essence of Ukrainians.
Nestled along Ukraine’s southern coast, Odesa shines as the Pearl of the Black Sea. Once a bustling multicultural hub dominated by the Russian language, the city faced a significant setback with Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine. The repercussions were felt deeply, leading to a stark shift in sentiments towards anything associated with Russia.
In a symbolic act of defiance, locals dismantled a towering statue of Catherine the Great in December 2022, challenging her historical ties to the city’s founding. Vasyuta, gesturing towards the vacant pedestal, expresses no remorse for this bold move.
“Russians seek to erase our identity as a nation,” Vasyuta asserts. “In response, why not remove their imperial symbols?” He emphasizes the need to break free from the pervasive Russian-Soviet narrative that has long overshadowed Odesa’s true essence.
Despite Odesa’s notorious portrayal as a city rife with crime, perpetuated by Russian-Soviet lore, Vasyuta dispels this myth. He critiques the misrepresentation perpetuated by characters like the fictional gangster Benya Krik in Isaac Babel’s Odessa Stories.
Vasyuta pays homage to Babel’s legacy, guiding visitors through Moldavanka, the heart of Odesa’s vibrant Jewish community in the early 20th century. Along the way, he ensures stops at monuments honoring Ukrainian luminaries in politics, poetry, and science.
The ongoing conflict has fueled Vasyuta’s resolve to showcase Odesa’s resilience. “With each Russian assault, Odesa’s Ukrainian identity grows stronger,” he affirms.
Following devastating attacks on cultural sites last summer, Odesa’s historic center earned a spot on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List. Simultaneously, the retreat of the Russian navy’s Black Sea Fleet from Sevastopol marked a turning point, allowing Odesa’s port to resume its vital role in trade.
In the face of adversity, Odesa emerges as a beacon of strength and unity, embodying the spirit of resilience amidst the Russia-Ukraine war anniversary.
Dnipro: Commemorating the Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary
In December 2023, a Russian missile struck parts of the maternity hospital in Dnipro, causing significant damage. Dr. Iryna Kulbach, who has delivered over 15,000 babies at this hospital, reflects on the joy found in the midst of war within the maternity ward. Despite being located far from the combat zone, Dnipro has been a target of frequent Russian attacks. The doctor, initially hopeful that her hospital would be spared, experienced a tragic turn of events on December 29, 2023, when the hospital was hit by a missile while she and others sought shelter in the basement.
The aftermath of the attack left the hospital in ruins, requiring a complete rebuild. Standing outside the fenced-off ruins, Dr. Kulbach faces uncertainty about the hospital’s reopening due to financial constraints and wavering support from Ukraine’s allies. Despite the devastation, she remains hopeful, pointing out the resilience of the community, with children playing in a nearby playground just meters away from where the missile struck.
As the anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war approaches, the poignant story of the maternity hospital in Dnipro serves as a reminder of the resilience and hope that endure in the face of tragedy.
Exploring Kharkiv in Commemoration of the Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary
Rebuilding Kharkiv Amidst the Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary
Witnessing the aftermath of a Russian strike, individuals stroll past a historic structure in Kharkiv, as captured by Claire Harbage/NPR.
Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, situated just 20 miles from the northeastern border with Russia, has endured relentless bombardment since the onset of the full-scale invasion two years ago.
Despite the ongoing destruction, the city’s intellectual hub remains active. Modernist buildings in the historic center stand boarded up, yet businesses like a patisserie offering the renowned Kharkivskyi cake have persevered, closing for only a few weeks during the war’s duration.
Architect Max Rozenfeld emphasizes the vitality of the city, stating, “It is very important to feel like the city is alive, despite the ruins and pain it bears.”
Rozenfeld, alongside a team of architects, aspires to revitalize Kharkiv post-war, collaborating with renowned urban architect Norman Foster. Their vision entails transforming bombed administrative structures into artistic marvels and establishing a significant science hub in the Saltivka neighborhood, nearly decimated by invading Russian forces.
Reflecting on the city’s future prospects, Rozenfeld acknowledges the skepticism surrounding discussions of revival amidst the current turmoil. He recounts the tragic loss of a family during an attack, underscoring the emotional toll each assault inflicts on the city’s residents.
Despite the ongoing conflict and the looming uncertainty of the war’s third year, Rozenfeld remains resolute in his belief in the power of dreaming and maintaining hope for Kharkiv’s future. He expresses concerns about the advancing Russian troops in the region and the potential implications of global political shifts, such as the fear of another Donald Trump presidency.
Characterizing Kharkiv as a resilient frontier city, Rozenfeld emphasizes its capacity to adapt and preserve a space for dreamers, even amidst the most challenging circumstances.
Exploring Kyiv on the Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary
In Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, a sense of normalcy has slowly returned, but lawyer Liudmyla Lysenko remains haunted by the fear of a potential Russian return. Growing up in Kyiv, Lysenko once viewed the city as impervious, a vibrant hub of culture and politics. However, following Russia’s invasion, the outskirts of Kyiv were lined with Russian military presence, instilling fear and uncertainty. Reports of atrocities in neighboring towns like Bucha and Irpin only heightened the collective anxiety felt by residents like Lysenko.
Despite the semblance of normal life resuming in Kyiv – bustling eateries, lively playgrounds – the underlying dread of another Russian incursion looms large. Lysenko articulates the sentiment shared by many, emphasizing the necessity of self-defense against perceived threats. The relentless anxiety took a toll on Lysenko, draining her energy and leaving her fatigued. She recounts moments of physical exhaustion upon returning home, unable to muster the strength even during air raid alerts.
In a bid to empower herself and others, Lysenko enrolled in a civilian defense training program, spurred by a televised advertisement promoting preparedness for potential invasions. Clad in protective gear, she joined a diverse group of participants, including young university students, in immersive training sessions deep in the woods outside Kyiv. Guided by instructors, they engaged in simulated combat scenarios, learning essential skills for self-defense and aiding the injured.
Lysenko’s resolve to confront her fears head-on echoes throughout her experience, underscoring the importance of readiness and resilience in the face of uncertainty. As the Russia-Ukraine war anniversary approaches, her journey reflects the enduring spirit of defiance and determination among Kyiv’s residents.
Exploring Sumy in Commemoration of the Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary
**Reuniting with Hope: A Mother’s Agony in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict**
**Nataliya Kucherenko’s Heart-Wrenching Wait**
In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war anniversary, Nataliya Kucherenko, a mother from the Sumy region of Ukraine, finds solace in draping a flag over her son’s bed. Her son, captured by Russian forces in Mariupol, remains in captivity, leaving Kucherenko in a state of perpetual anticipation for his safe return.
**A Mother’s Vigil**
Nataliya Kucherenko’s routine involves monitoring a Telegram channel that alerts her when Ukrainian POWs are exchanged at a checkpoint in Sumy. Upon receiving a notification, she grabs a large Ukrainian flag bearing her son Vova’s image and positions herself along a main road in Krasnopillya, near the Russian border. With unwavering resolve, she unfurls the flag and waits patiently, braving all weather conditions, yearning for a glimpse of her son among the passing convoy.
**Endless Agony**
Vova, a 25-year-old soldier, has been held captive in Russia for close to two years after valiantly defending Mariupol. The uncertainty surrounding his well-being torments Kucherenko, especially after stumbling upon an unsettling online video hinting at a life sentence for her son in a Russian prison. The distress has taken a toll on her health, causing her to lose weight and struggle with basic daily activities.
**A Mother’s Unwavering Love**
Despite the heartache and anguish, Nataliya Kucherenko remains resolute in her hope for her son’s safe return. Her unwavering dedication is a poignant reminder of the countless families impacted by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Exploring Kramatorsk in Commemoration of the Russia-Ukraine War Anniversary
Remembering the Tragedy of Ria Pizzeria in Kramatorsk
A touching memorial stands amidst the ruins of Ria Pizzeria, a cherished establishment in Kramatorsk, tragically struck by a Russian attack in June 2023, resulting in the loss of both staff and patrons.
A memorial is set up among the remains of Ria Pizzeria, a beloved restaurant in Kramatorsk that was hit by a Russian strike in June 2023, killing staff and customers.
For the past decade, the eastern Donetsk region of Ukraine has been embroiled in conflict with Russia, stemming from separatists’ declaration of independence in 2014. Despite the constant threat of Russian aggression, the vibrant city of Kramatorsk, under Ukrainian jurisdiction, has persevered.
At the heart of this resilient city was Ria Pizzeria, a gathering place for locals to celebrate weddings, birthdays, and other joyous occasions.
“This establishment was more than just a restaurant; it was our family,” shares Iryna Savchenko, one of the co-owners. “It served as a home not only for our dedicated staff but also for our community.”
Ria Pizzeria not only attracted locals but also became a hub for journalists and aid workers amidst the war. Despite the grim circumstances outside, the restaurant echoed with laughter and music.
“Initially, we never imagined becoming targets in this full-scale war,” Savchenko reflects. “However, we soon realized that no one in our country was exempt from being a target.”
Tragedy struck on June 29 last year when a Russian Iskander missile obliterated Ria Pizzeria. Savchenko, away in Kyiv at the time, received the devastating news over the phone.
“Upon hearing that everything was destroyed, I rushed back immediately, arriving at 5 a.m.,” she recounts.
Surveying the aftermath, Savchenko recalls, “The scene was one of rubble and devastation. I feared that everyone inside had perished.”
The attack claimed the lives of 13 individuals, including pizzeria employees, local youths, and the talented writer Viktoria Amelina. A makeshift shrine adorned with flowers and their photographs now stands outside the ruins.
Despite being shattered by grief, Savchenko was determined not to let the attack extinguish Kramatorsk’s resilience.
“We believed that reopening another establishment would benefit the town,” she explains. The surviving team of Ria Pizzeria aimed to revive Kramatorsk’s economy while paying homage to the fallen.
Half a year after the tragic incident, Savchenko and her associates unveiled a new subterranean restaurant in Kramatorsk named Friends.
“The name was a unanimous decision, symbolizing a place for our current and future friends, and most importantly, for those we have lost,” she emphasizes.
As we commemorate the Russia-Ukraine war anniversary, let us not forget the resilience and unity displayed by the people of Kramatorsk in the face of adversity.
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