Since the capture of their city by Russian troops, 23,000 inhabitants of Melitopol have had to settle in Zaporijjia. The launch of the Ukrainian counter-offensive is a sign of hope for them.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky assured Monday evening June 12 that the ongoing offensive against Russian troops was “difficult” but that she “progressed”. A counter-offensive closely followed by the 23,000 displaced persons from Melitopol settled in Zapporijjia, in the south of the country. Because their city, located near the Sea of Azov and occupied by Russian forces, is one of the priorities of the Ukrainian army to open the road to Crimea.
“Here is a small Melitopolexplains Katerina. This is where I feel closest to home. It’s like home.“This displaced person from Melitopol is now settled in Zapporijja, less than 120 kilometers from her hometown. of 200 displaced persons.
Confident residents of Melitopol
Katerina left Melitopol at the beginning of the Russian occupation. “We never lost hope. We even have friends waiting for us there. We only think about that“, she adds. According to her, the liberation of her city is even essential for the whole country “because this is the last step before the liberation of Crimea”.
The counter-offensive also reassures Yulia, 32. Before being forced to leave, this civil servant refused to work with the new Russian administration. “Under occupation, I had no choiceexplains Yulia. I either had to collaborate with them or leave town or whatever. I can’t wait to be able to go home or see our flag flying in the main square again.”
>> “I have confidence in our soldiers”: Orikhiv, a Ukrainian city bombarded by the Russians, expects a lot from the counter-offensive
The relocated municipal team is already preparing for a possible return. The deputy mayor is confident: “Melitopol is currently one of Ukraine’s main targets. We hope we will get there quickly. But the main thing is not the time it will take, but the cost in human lives that we will pay.“The price to pay already looks high, after only a week of Ukrainian counter-offensive.