Over 15 million Ukrainians have fled their homes since the Russian invasion, with many arriving in Zelenodolsk, a transit point for about 7,000 people. Ukrainian authorities are urging evacuations from the Kherson region in preparation for a counteroffensive. Residents describe life under Russian control as a desperate struggle, with looting, destruction, and a lack of governance. Some have fled on foot, bike, or wheelchair, leaving behind their possessions and livelihoods. The Russian military has imposed language changes, knocked out communication towers, and controlled information. Ukrainian forces are making territorial gains, and displaced residents hope to return and rebuild their communities. Zelenodolsk's mayor, Dmytro Neveselyi, is managing the town and aiding displaced Ukrainians while dealing with the impacts of the conflict, including damage from shelling and escaped wild boars from a nearby preserve.

Over 15 million Ukrainians have fled their homes since the Russian invasion, with many passing through Zelenodolsk, a transit point for around 7,000 displaced people. Ukrainian authorities are urging evacuations from the Kherson region in anticipation of a counteroffensive. Residents describe dire conditions under Russian control, with looting, lack of governance, and destruction of infrastructure. Some villages have been retaken by Ukrainian forces, offering hope despite the extensive damage. Zelenodolsk's mayor, Dmytro Neveselyi, is managing the town and aiding displaced Ukrainians while dealing with the impacts of nearby shelling.

The article discusses the challenges faced by medical professionals and residents in the Donbas region of Ukraine, which is divided between Ukrainian control and the separatist Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. Dr. Victoria Koryak, a paediatrician, describes the dire situation in the local hospital overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients amidst the ongoing conflict. The hospital lacks resources, and medical staff often work without proper insurance or adequate protective equipment. The article also covers the difficulties faced by residents crossing checkpoints to access medical care, pensions, and other services. The war has exacerbated the pandemic's impact, with closed borders, resource shortages, and corruption hindering the response. Personal stories of patients and doctors illustrate the human toll of the pandemic in a war zone. The article also touches on the spread of COVID-19 in separatist-held territories, where accurate case numbers are hard to determine.

The article discusses the challenges faced by medical professionals and residents in the Donbas region of Ukraine, which is divided between Ukrainian control and the separatist Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. Dr. Victoria Koryak, a paediatrician, describes the dire situation in the local hospital overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients amidst the ongoing conflict. The hospital lacks resources, and medical staff often work without proper insurance or adequate protective equipment. The article also covers the difficulties faced by residents crossing checkpoints to access medical care, pensions, and other services. The war has exacerbated the pandemic's impact, with closed borders, resource shortages, and corruption hindering the response. Personal stories of patients and doctors illustrate the human toll of the pandemic in a war zone. The article also touches on the spread of COVID-19 in separatist-held territories, where accurate case numbers are hard to determine.