Kherson has experienced upheaval like few other cities in Ukraine. Located directly on the frontline and separated from the aggressor only by the Dnipro River, it was once under Russian control, then liberated, and shortly after returning to Ukrainian governance, suffered a catastrophic flood when its dam was destroyed in 2023.
Of the original 1,000,000 inhabitants, only 500,000 now remain in their beloved city, refusing to leave despite daily hardships. Their familial connections are strong, many have spent their entire lives here, and they feel deeply tied to their river, their region, and their nation. The fear of losing their hometown to Russian forces again is overwhelming—giving up is not an option.
For their daily lives, this means air raid alerts almost 24/7, destruction and devastation as far as the eye can see, and hours-long lines at food distribution points. Streets are empty, ventured onto only during the day and with protective vests, and avoided entirely at night due to curfew.
The windows and entrances of buildings are improvised barricades made with sandbags, boards, and upcycled materials from street debris. The children of Kherson prefer to play close to bunkers, stairwells designated as shelters, or in basements.
We have known Kherson since March 2022 and have contacts with all the local civil society volunteers who keep daily life running.
He is the director of the local charity “Strong but Free”. He lived in Kherson during the occupation, where he would secretly distribute humanitarian aid to people in need. Once the occupiers left, he started his own charity.
