The recapture of the only regional capital Russia had seized during its invasion was the biggest triumph of Ukraine’s counter-offensive in the second half of last year, lifting hopes across the country and bringing displaced residents flooding home.
But three months later, Ukraine’s advances have halted and grim reality has set in. Russian soldiers, who retreated just across the Dnipro River, have not been pushed back further and are pummelling the city daily with artillery.
Many residents have now left for a second time, with the encouragement of the region’s leaders.
Not Antoniuk, 46, who says he’s going nowhere: “It’s my city. People help each other in their own way,” he said.
But Vasyl Nezgoda isn’t so sure. Two weeks ago, a Russian Grad rocket slammed into his apartment building roof. He moved to a friend’s house and is staying in the city for now.
“But if the situation gets worse I will leave.”
Residents endured…
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