UKRAINE, KHARKIV, Feb. 24 — Four years ago, this day was warmer and more terrifying for many in this city, located just about 20 miles from the Russian-Ukrainian border. Back then, the Russian army was much closer to the city, reaching the northern neighbourhood of Kharkiv. Now, pushed away to the border in the 2022 counteroffensive, they are still moving towards Kharkiv from different fronts, and Ukraine's forces are, as then, holding them off.
Silence
At Freedom Square, one of the biggest squares in Eastern Europe, Kharkiv locals gather to honor those killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine with a moment of silence. Behind them is the building of the Kharkiv regional administration, severely damaged by a double-tap attack in March of 2022.
Two rows of cars stop at the road before this building, and the drivers step out and put their palms to their chests. The flags for Kharkiv military brigades hang from their vehicles. A sound of a ticking clock steps through the square, and everything and everyone around stops, except the snow.
Viktoria, a woman participating in the morning demonstration, says it’s important to remember that the war didn’t start four years ago, but with the occupation of Crimea in 2014. She is a volunteer of the Help for Families of the Dead and Missing organization.
“We don’t have the right to forget. Because if everything starts to fade away, everything was for nothing, our fight was for nothing,” she says. “The most important thing is to preserve Ukraine, its integrity, and remember why and because of whom Ukraine remains.”
Viktoria laughs when asked what helps her move forward, as many in Kharkiv do. “Armed Forces of Ukraine,” she grins. “There are no circumstances that can stop us. We have to save Ukraine for our children, our grandchildren.”
Yulia, another woman, holds the flag with her husband’s photo. His name is Vadym. He served in the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade — they defended Kharkiv against the first ground offensive Russia had launched from the north during February 2022. He was killed in the middle of the summer of 2022.
“How are you?” Gwara’s journalist asks.
“I am living,” Yulia says.
“What helps you move forward?”
“I don’t have another choice,” Yulia responds.
Oksana’s husband also defended Kharkiv in the early days of the full-scale invasion. Russians killed him in Vilkhivka village in the Kharkiv district. She also takes part in a demonstration for the minute of silence.
“I couldn’t miss it. It’s necessary. We should remember every day,” Oksana says. Children are the first “engine” that prompts her to go on — it’s impossible not to, she laughs, and the second is— “I wish for victory. And however it will be, we are going to win.”
Prayer
An hour later, a joint prayer service begins at one of the central subway stations, attended by Kharkiv City Mayor Ihor Terekhov and representatives of various Christian denominations.
Terekhov thanks the priests and Ukraine’s defence forces, “in which representatives of different religions serve, but work towards one goal — to maintain Ukraine’s sovereignty.” We’re praying for long-awaited, fair peace, Terekhov says, the peace that’ll last forever.
The priest read prayers, one after another. The host thanks them for the “prayer shield” that protects “every warrior, child, and all our Earth.”
Priests and four singers in embroidered costumes sing Prayer for Ukraine.
Kharkiv City Council later tells Gwara that the representatives of the Muslim and Jewish communities were also invited to participate in the prayer, but they were unable to attend for various reasons.
Orchestra
In the afternoon, at another metro station, a requiem for the fallen defenders was held, commemorating the deaths of those who were born in the Kharkiv region. The orchestra performed prayers and memorial songs. Digital screens displayed photos of people killed in Russia’s war. Their names.
Denys, a relative of a fallen police officer, waited for the moment when a photo of him would appear on one of them. The police officer died during a Russian drone attack on a gas station in Nova Vodolaha, a town southwest of Kharkiv. Doctors were trying to save him for eight days, but couldn’t.
During the last four years, Russia killed over 2,100 people and injured over 6,700 in the Kharkiv region. Over the last day, they injured three: a woman and her two daughters.
Read more
- “Only hurt remains” — Bidding farewell to veteran, his three children killed in Russian drone attack on Bohodukhiv
- Ukrainian military can’t evacuate critically injured woman, her daughters from Kupiansk district because of Russian drones
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