War in Ukraine: fragile hope in Kharkiv

The Kharkiv metro (Ukraine) has become one of the symbols of war. They are hundreds to live here since the beginning of the Russian invasion to protect themselves from the bombardments. Today, the authorities are asking them to leave the premises. The city has not been bombed for a week and the Russians have retreated.

Outside, life is slowly picking up again. Buses are running again and food stores have reopened. But it is difficult to resume a normal life for the inhabitants of Kharkiv. If the Ukrainian counter-offensive has pushed the Russians back several tens of kilometers from Kharkiv, the station is still deserted. For the thousands of residents who had left the country’s second city, it is still too early to return.