One year post-liberation, residents of Kherson, persevere with optimism despite enduring relentless shelling

One year after the liberation of Kherson from Russian occupation, the city's residents have become accustomed to the regular sound of outgoing fire from the nearby Dnieper River, where Russian forces are stationed. This familiar noise serves as a warning for locals to seek shelter within seven seconds. Life in Kherson remains constrained, with many businesses closed, and municipal workers donning bullet-proof vests as they wait to clear debris from ongoing impacts.

The ongoing struggle: Life in Kherson post-liberation

Despite the challenges, Ukrainians venture out between lulls in artillery fire, engaging in essential activities like grocery shopping or enjoying rare open restaurants.

The anniversary of Russia's defeat on November 11 is a mixed experience for many residents, as the ongoing counteroffensive falls short of the hoped-for significant gains. Nevertheless, those who remain express a steadfast belief that normalcy will eventually return.

Grigori Malov, owner of one of the few operating restaurants, reflects on the city's resilience, stating

"When you have lived under occupation, you know what freedom means".

The flight of Russian troops from Kherson a year ago marked a significant victory for Ukraine, but the current situation finds both sides in a protracted battle of attrition.

Mixed emotions on Russia's Defeat Anniversary

On a rainy and subdued anniversary, residents, fearing potential attacks, gather minimally to mark the occasion. Malov, who did not work during the nine months of Russian occupation, opened his eatery after the city's liberation, providing a space for residents to celebrate amidst the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian soldiers, taking breaks from frontline duties, frequent the restaurant for meals and moments of relaxation.

Malov sees his establishment as fulfilling an essential role, offering people the chance to unwind amid challenging circumstances. Despite the continuing conflict only a few kilometers away, life in Kherson persists, with the hope that one day it will fully return to normalcy.

The echoes of continuous gunfire, both incoming and outgoing, shape the daily lives of Kherson's residents, prompting them to organize their routines in anticipation of these unsettling sounds. According to locals, these disturbances are most pronounced in the morning and late afternoon, with air raid alarms persistently sounding at all hours.

Despite commemorating the anniversary of the city's liberation, the grim reality persists. A man lost his life, and three women were injured in Russian artillery attacks on homes. Kherson witnesses the impact of 40-80 shells daily, representing various types, as revealed by Oleksandr Tolokonnikov, a spokesperson for the Kherson Regional State Administration. Reflecting on the city's initial joy upon liberation, he notes that the shelling commenced shortly afterward and has not ceased since.

Surviving amidst economic struggles

Beyond security concerns, earning a livelihood poses a significant challenge for the city's residents. With a lack of employment opportunities for the approximately 71,000 remaining inhabitants (compared to the prewar population of 300,000), survival becomes an additional struggle, particularly for the elderly.

Amidst these difficulties, a young couple, Dmytro and Olena, defy the odds by going on a date. They choose to stay at home, emphasizing their determination to live and work in Kherson despite the safety risks. Speaking cautiously due to fears of reprisals, they share their commitment to persevering in the face of adversity.

Konstantin Krupenko, overseeing a municipal worker engaged in an unconventional task of clearing autumn leaves, underscores the abnormality of their current responsibilities. Clad in bulletproof vests, the workers navigate between cigarette breaks while handling bags of foliage. Krupenko recounts the loss of a colleague to shrapnel and another worker suffering a concussion from a Grad rocket during the summer. Describing their routine of clearing rubble from explosion sites, he matter-of-factly acknowledges the relentless challenges they face day after day.