In March 2022, the Gazette reported on John Green, an Overton man who had escaped from Ukraine just before the war broke out. With the help of friends, the 27-year-old established a station in Slovakia to aid fleeing Ukrainians.

Recently, he returned to Ukraine to witness the current situation. Here is his account of life in Ukraine since the war started.

You can read his account from Lviv and Kyiv here.

Bucha and Irpin

The news of the massacres in the neighbouring cities of Irpin and Bucha shocked the world back in April last year and one year on I paid a visit to see how they look today.

In Bucha, one is struck by the impressiveness of the repair work that has occurred. In the city centre, there are modern buildings, huge crowds and bright shop displays. Leaving this area, the events of last year become more apparent, with many buildings and structures riddled with bullet holes. Many of the worst affected buildings have since been rebuilt, and those that have not are often covered up. On Vokzalna Street, where many of the horrifying pictures of last year’s massacre were taken, one is met by a vast array of construction vehicles and contractors. Whilst most of the houses here were razed to the ground, they are now being built up better than before. Many were not sure of the wisdom of rebuilding whilst the war continues, but for Ukraine this process is part of their resistance. The tragedy of Bucha will live with the country for generations but by building the city back better they further demonstrate what their sovereignty and freedom mean to them.

Crossing the bridge into Irpin, one is met with a different image entirely. Rebuilding is an expensive process and not everywhere can be repaired at once. On the outskirts, barely a single building is unscathed. Makeshift trenches that were used in the Battle of Irpin can still be found, adorned with tattered flags. The local cultural centre is a shell. Bombed out cars can be found everywhere and many of the still-standing buildings have no windows. At best, civilian houses are without exterior fences. At worst, they are a pile of bricks. There is a far sadder atmosphere here but, as with Bucha, life continues. Establishments work as normal, people fill the streets, children play on attractions in the park, already accustomed to the destruction around them. Many have left Irpin but those that remain defiantly continue living as best they can. The central square features a memorial to lives lost with an abundance of flowers placed alongside.

Bucha and Irpin today provide a stark contrast. One is a poster image for what the Ukrainian people are capable of and the importance of their land to them. The other reveals the destruction the enemy is wreaking on them and the reason why it is as essential as ever to support them in their struggle.

Should you wish to donate, the Ukrainian government provides a portal where you can choose how you want your money spent here: https://u24.gov.ua/