Return to Bucha: how a community rebuilds after a massacre
Jul 20, 2024
auto_awesome
Roman, a young Ukrainian man, shares his harrowing experience of returning to his looted apartment after fleeing Russian forces. The podcast explores the challenges of rebuilding and finding happiness amidst the devastation in Bucha. It also highlights the resilience of the community and their efforts to piece their lives back together after the massacre.
Survivors in Hostomel faced devastation and looting during the Russian occupation.
Residents of Bucha show resilience in rebuilding their community post-occupation.
Deep dives
Impact of Russian Occupation on Hostomel
The podcast delves into the aftermath of the Russian occupation in Hostomel, a town near Kiev, depicting the devastation caused by the war. Roman, a journalist, recounts his experience of witnessing the Russian invasion and the subsequent destruction of his home. He describes the chaos and confusion during the initial days of the conflict, the looting and destruction of properties, and the challenges faced upon his return to Hostomel, highlighting the psychological and physical toll of the war.
Rebuilding and Community Support in Bucha
The episode shifts to Bucha, where Igor, a resident, shares his journey of survival and rebuilding post-occupation. He discusses the ongoing reconstruction efforts in the town, the resilience of the community in coping with the traumatic memories of the Russian occupation, and the positive changes observed in Bucha. Despite the challenges, Igor emphasizes the unity and support among residents, reflecting on the growth of community initiatives and the collective rebuilding process.
Military Service and Future Uncertainty
As the conversation progresses, Igor touches upon the mobilization and military involvement in Bucha. He sheds light on the enlistment process for the army, the decision-making around joining the frontline, and the uncertainties faced by individuals in the community. Igor's contemplation on serving in the Ukrainian army versus potential alternatives underscores the complex realities and choices individuals confront in a post-conflict environment, where the specter of war continues to loom.
This episode is available now to Telegraph subscribers and will be available to everyone on the 17th July.
In the first of The Telegraph's special podcasts on the war in Ukraine. Presenter David Knowles and Producer Adélie Pojzman-Pontay travel to Bucha and Hostomel, north of Kyiv, to hear the stories of citizens who survived Russia's brutal occupation in Spring 2022.
In Hostomel they meet Roman, a young Ukrainian man who fled his new apartment as Russian forces advanced. When he returned after the liberation he discovered the disgusting ways the occupying troops had treated his home.
Then, they travel to Bucha to see an old friend, Ihor Savchenko. Two years on from the occupation of Bucha, Ihor is helping his community piece their lives back together even though the war threatens to engulf him once again.
We first met Ihor's daughter Katya in 2022 - listen to that episode here: https://shows.acast.com/ukraine-the-latest/episodes/658301371b4a0600176a40ee
Subscribe to The Telegraph: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatest