[ad_1]
When Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine, its initial objective was to capture the capital, Kiev.
In the early days of the offensive, Russian forces occupied the outskirts of the capital, newly built areas inhabited by young and successful families. As Voice of America correspondent Anna Chernikova reports, one of the most devastated communities is Irpin, which is located about 20 kilometers from the capital.
For the inhabitants of Irpin, as elsewhere in Ukraine, it became clear that life would no longer be the same after February 24th.
When Russian forces entered Ukrainian territory, many residents resisted. The invaders withdrew only after a protracted and bloody battle.
But some residents, like Olga Ovcharenko and her family, chose to leave the fighting zone.
As Russian forces were just a mile away and the rockets landed a few feet near their home, Ms Ovcharenko, her husband and daughter packed their bags and left with their pets.
As they left on the highway to the west, Ms. Ovcharenko says the Russians continued to attack and she only thought about how to save the girl.
“We told the girl that if something happens, just get out of the car, get out. Do not turn your head away from me and Dad. We are adults, we succeed. Do not even think of animals; we take care of them. “You just get out of the car, look for people in Ukrainian uniforms, or people with children, who can help.”says Mrs. Ovcharenko.
The day they left they were sure they would not return.
“We thought there would be nothing left for us to return”she says.
They had to persuade Olga’s mother, Maria Bovenko, to leave.
“I never thought people could become so inhuman. I thought he would not continue, that they would leave “says Mrs. Bovenko.
In time they decided to stop the escape. They returned and found the house destroyed. Nothing escaped the Russian attack. The neighboring town of Bucha became the scene of massacres, with the worst atrocities to date of this conflict.
“This is the most damaged building in the neighborhood, as it is the tallest and Bucha can be seen from here. Since the Russians came from Bucha, here was a surveillance site of Ukrainian forces. “I counted at least 23 artillery shells on the front.”says Slava Ovcharenko, Olgas’s husband.
Months later, the buildings are still in ruins. But the biggest tragedy in Irpin are the ruined and lost lives.
“There are mass graves here in the square. Nineteen are buried here. They were our neighbors “says Mr. Ovcharenko.
People do not know when peace can be restored. What is certain is that life will never be the same. But for people like Olga Ovcharenko, who decided to return, the fact that they survived gives them hope that one day they can rebuild their home and their lives./VOA
top channel
[ad_2]
Source link
