Occupied by Russia: “Now everyone is calm”

Collapsing community services, a devastated economy, fear and anxiety. There are common threads in the testimonies collected by AFP from the newly occupied parts of eastern Ukraine.

– In Kherson, the situation is very depressing, says the 25-year-old teacher.

There are no medicines at all. Many elderly people die from lack of health care. For seniors, it’s hell.

One problem is confusion about what money to use. Russia announced that the ruble is now the official currency in these regions, and that residents will receive Russian passports. But the teacher tells AFP that it doesn’t work.

– There are no rubles in circulation, no passports coming in – no one wants them either.

can’t shower

He adds that the Ukrainian currency, the hryvnia, is still used, but it is very difficult to get cash at all.

Since summer and harvest times, there are food items.

We have enough food, even if we get a little humanitarian aid.

A 52-year-old woman, who lives in a town recently captured by the Russians in July, describes a ghostly atmosphere.

– There are no authorities, no gas, no water, no electricity. We can’t even shower, she told AFP.

– I don’t know if it is possible to get out of here, no one has money for such things anyway. Salaries have not been paid for several months.

going to call

Special offers for evacuation flights to Western Ukraine are spreading. But prices are high, equivalent to more than 5,000 SEK per person, says the 52-year-old. The roads pass through Russia and Belarus.

– Many do not believe in this, they are simply afraid that they will end up in Russia.

The internet is down, with some exceptions. The woman reminds of the town of Svatov, where people go to communicate.

– Once a week, those who go there can call, as well as send messages on behalf of neighbors.

kidnapped and killed

Another woman, who lives in western Ukraine, recounts what her parents in the occupied eastern parts of the country witness about their new lives. Residential areas are completely empty, because many have moved into them. Among the rest, there are also people who support the occupying power, which contributes to the fact that not everyone dares to express their opinions.

My parents take it easy. At the beginning of the occupation, national activists were kidnapped and even killed. Now everyone is silent, the woman told AFP.

The news agency left the side of the fire saying that the testimonies were collected by phone, and that residents’ information could not be verified.