253. Collecting the Fallen: Ukraine's Grim Harvest
Feb 13, 2025
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Boldizsár Győri, a young Hungarian journalist, shares gripping firsthand experiences from war-torn Kharkiv. He provides a vivid account of living under constant bombardment and explores the emotional toll of identifying fallen soldiers. Boldizsár highlights the heart-wrenching work of Oleksy, a body collector, and discusses the challenges faced in recovering remains amidst chaos. The conversation sheds light on the dignity of honoring the deceased, revealing the deep respect for life that persists even in brutal circumstances.
The journalist's embedding in Kharkiv illustrates the profound emotional impact of war on both civilians and reporters, reshaping their understanding of reality.
Alexei's work as a body collector reflects the intertwining of humanitarian values with the grim realities of conflict, emphasizing respect for the fallen.
Deep dives
Young Journalist on the Frontlines
A young Hungarian journalist shares his journey to Kharkiv, Ukraine, motivated by a desire to witness history firsthand amidst the ongoing war. Initially drawn by his passion for history, he aimed to experience the significant events unfolding in Ukraine that could shape his future and that of his children. Despite having no formal training in journalism, he sought mentorship and relocated to Kharkiv, aiming to report from a vantage point that offers both access to the frontline and a semblance of safety. Living near the danger has presented its own challenges, with the constant presence of conflict significantly impacting his understanding of journalistic objectivity and allowing him to grasp the reality for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Life Under Constant Threat
Living in Kharkiv has exposed the journalist to the harsh realities of daily life under threat, where aerial bombardments and missile strikes are commonplace. He describes how the city's atmosphere has shifted, with increased anxiety and tension among residents as they cope with ongoing shelling from Russian forces, notably through the use of glide bombs and drones. This sustained exposure to danger has taken a toll on both the local population and himself, creating a strained mental environment reminiscent of the challenges faced during long-term lockdowns experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As he recounts his experiences, it becomes apparent how living under such a volatile situation impacts one's psyche, contributing to a notable increase in stress-related issues and violent crime.
The Story of Alexei: A Body Recovery NGO
The journalist discusses Alexei, a respected figure among Ukrainian soldiers who leads an NGO dedicated to recovering the bodies of soldiers from both sides of the conflict. With a background in locating war remains, Alexei employs both modern technology and time-honored methods to respectfully recover fallen soldiers, ensuring their identities can be honored and their remains returned to their families. His meticulous approach reflects a deep respect for the deceased, dealing with the ongoing dangers of unexploded ordnance and active combat zones while navigating the emotional complexities of his work. Despite the challenges, Alexei's mission exemplifies the human aspects of war, highlighting the often-overlooked stories of compassion and respect amidst chaos.
Join Saul in today's episode of Battleground as he speaks with Boldizsár Győri, a young Hungarian journalist who has embedded himself in war-torn Kharkiv.
Boldizsár shares his experiences of life under the constant threat of bombardment, and recounts his time spent with Oleksy, a Ukrainian body collector. A story which shines a light on one of the grim realities of war, the process of identifying the fallen, and the emotional toll it takes.
You can read Boldizsár's article on the story of Oleksy the body collector here: https://www.szabadeuropa.hu/a/a-halottak-oldalan-nem-all-senki-mondja-a-harcteri-maradvanyokat-elszallito-onkentes/33282239.html
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