“a missile fell on my house”

“A missile fell on my house“, says Valéry, back home, in Iatskivka, a small village fifteen kilometers east of Izioum. Around him is desolation. The damage is immense, and spreads from village to village, with everywhere the same scenes of chaos. Like Valéry, civilians, who fled the fighting are gradually returning to their homes, or rather what is left of them. “The explosions ripped through the windows and shrapnel flew in all directions.” shows this convenience store owner.

The man lost everything in the strikes carried out by the Ukrainian forces to regain ground on the Russians. All the inhabitants tell the same story, here, in the region of Izioum. A life shattered by war but without giving in to discouragement. “A missile first fell just outside, then two hours later the house was hit by a shell“, describes Pavlo, before adding, today, we need materials to rebuild it but I will eventually rebuild this house.“

If Pavlo aims to rebuild his house, destroyed by the bombardments, he does not blame the Ukrainian forces. This is also the case for the majority of the inhabitants because the Russian soldiers lived among the few civilians who had chosen to stay. They settled in houses, gardens, buildings, parks or public places. To repel them, the Ukrainian army therefore had to strike at every Russian position.

“It’s hard to describe the relief I feel. This happiness to be part of Ukraine again. To be with our people, and no longer under the yoke of the Russians.”

Olga, Ukrainian who has come to her house near Izioum.

France Info

The withdrawal from Moscow reveals the immensity of the damage. Roads, schools, bridges, hospitals and infrastructure are damaged or even reduced to dust. There is also a need to restore electricity, water and gas supplies as winter approaches. The task promises to be colossal for Ukraine, which will once again need the international community to overcome this ordeal.

The war in Ukraine is one of the major topics discussed Thursday, October 6 at the new European Political Community, which brings together 44 leaders in Prague, including Emmanuel Macron.