in the Donbass, the resignation of the inhabitants awaiting the Russian offensive

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Lysychansk, Ukraine, is a city marked by years of war. The traces of the bombardments are everywhere, the buildings riddled with impacts. The city has been living to the rhythm of the war since 2014 and the desire for independence of the pro-Russian separatists, located just next door. The situation has not improved since the end of February and Russia’s offensive in Ukraine because Lyssychansk is now also close to the front line.

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It was in this desolate landscape, regularly the target of artillery, that Lydia emerged a few minutes to feed dogs abandoned by those who fled to the west of the country. “Yesterday a man died there, just around the corner. He was killed in a bombardment as he was going towards the underground shelter”says the one who is one of the few civilians still present. “That’s a bomb. I don’t know what it was exactly but it just exploded. I’m scared. I’m going to feed the animals and I’m going home.”

Like her, the few inhabitants who have remained here await, resigned, the offensive promised by Moscow, while the Ukrainian army strengthens its positions a little more each day. Twandered at home, they walk briskly when they go out. “They are bombing civilians”laments Loubov, a retiree left behind by her young daughter. “They should spare the elderly, children or young people, like my daughter. What did she do to deserve this?” The war seems totally absurd to him.

“I don’t understand this war and I won’t understand it. It’s stupid. Before, it was beautiful, peaceful and wonderful.”

Lubov, retired who lives in Lyssytchansk

at franceinfo

Nina plods towards her building, where she was born 61 years ago. She is one of the few civilians still present in the city. “The situation is horrible. I can’t even describe it”she testifies, claiming to have taken the habit “to put your head in when there are bombardments”. In vain. “It’s no use. You can die anytime and anywhere.”

She evokes “a nightmare”. “We survive thanks to humanitarian aid. We lack medicine and food.” However, she says she is convinced that Ukraine will pull through. “Putin will break his teeth and they will get stuck in his throat.”

“You can die at any time and anywhere”: in the Donbass, the resignation of the inhabitants awaiting the Russian offensive. The report by Omar Ouahmane and Gilles Gallinaro.

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