The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has had a devastating impact on the people of Ukraine, as witnessed by Fergal Keane who returned to Lviv station to investigate the ongoing war. The war, which has now entered its third year, has created a war-weary population and a sense of normalcy around the conflicts. The article highlights the stories of individuals affected by the war, including a doctor who lost contact with her Russian family, a chaplain bringing gifts to children in front-line areas, and a mother defiantly refusing to evacuate her village despite the danger from Russian shelling.
The war has resulted in a massive refugee crisis, with over ten million Ukrainians uprooted from their homes. Lviv station, which was once teeming with refugees fleeing west, now stands as a reminder of the ongoing conflict. The atmosphere has shifted, with young men and women waiting to be deployed and families returning for brief visits to loved ones who still live in Ukraine. The war has become a stubborn season that refuses to pass.
Natasha Ambarova, a doctor who ran an emergency clinic at the station, embodies the impact of the war. She has lost contact with her Russian family who supported Putin’s war, leading her to view them as lost. She now teaches medicine at Lviv University, where her students may be drafted to fight. The air raids on the city and the safety of her children have hardened her feelings towards Russia, making her willing to become a sniper to protect her loved ones. Her story highlights the psychological toll the war has taken on Ukrainians.
However, amidst the suffering and trauma, the kindness of the Ukrainian people still exists. Volodymyr Moisei, a one-armed chaplain, delivers presents and treats to children in front-line areas. He and his wife have fostered troubled children and those displaced by the war, showing their unwavering dedication to helping others. Volodymyr shares the tragic story of Andriy, one of his former foster children, who created a small militia to defend his village but was ultimately killed. Despite the danger, people like Larysa Shkliar adamantly refuse to evacuate their homes and send their children away, cherishing the moments of celebration when volunteers like Volodymyr visit.
The war in Ukraine has left a lasting impact on the people, with stories of loss, trauma, and resilience. The article sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by the Ukrainian population, who continue to endure amidst a stagnant war. While the war may have normalized in Lviv station, the profound effects on individuals and communities cannot be overlooked. The war has changed the psyche of Ukrainians, leaving them war-weary yet resilient. It is a testament to their strength that amidst the chaos, acts of kindness and defiance continue to prevail.
