Don't salute
An ordinary Ukrainian family
"For the residents of most regions of Ukraine, the war began on February 24, 2022, and for us, the residents of Luhansk region, it started in 2014. But we were under occupation for a short time then, we were released by the Armed Forces of Ukraine," says Oksana. For some time they lived in Cherkasy region - the enemy often shelled Popasna from the occupied territory.
Nevertheless, Popasna flourished. "All residents of Popasna saw and felt the advantages of life in the territory of free Ukraine! Therefore, our city was and is pro-Ukrainian, even though it is located in the Luhansk region, which is currently being attacked by the russian occupier," says the woman.
They knew there were unarmed civilians
Based on the experience of previous years, everyone thought that the hostilities, which began in February 2022, would quickly end. But the shelling did not stop. Houses burned, their inhabitants perished.
And then the Russians deliberately targeted a large bomb shelter. "After all, they knew that there were unarmed civilians there - children, old women..." Oksana recalls with sadness.
This is how phosphorus bombs explode
"Once, my husband and I saw fireworks from the window. And we were happy, because we thought that it was already a victory and that our people were celebrating, giving us a sign of good news. But it turned out: it's not fireworks - it's how phosphorus bombs explode..."
Kateryna and Oksana talk about the difficult evacuation, life in a new place, sadness for their native Popasna, and their hopes.