Taisiia Semenova

The article discusses China's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the 'no-limits' friendship between China and Russia and the increase in trade between the two nations. Despite China's claims of neutrality, the U.S. believes China has provided non-lethal military assistance to Russia and may consider sending lethal aid. Experts suggest that Ukraine's victory would be against Chinese interests as it would signify a geopolitical win for the U.S. and strengthen its global alliances. The U.S. has warned China of serious consequences if it provides lethal aid to Russia. China's proposed peace plan for the war in Ukraine has been met with skepticism by the West, as it does not call for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding China's role in the conflict and the potential risks involved.

The article details the resistance of the residents of Kherson, a city in southern Ukraine, against the Russian occupation. It describes the early protests that were met with violence from Russian forces, leading to the last demonstration in May. The occupation has led to kidnappings, jailing of opponents, and a severe shortage of essential goods. Despite the oppression, the resistance has not vanished but turned into sabotage and underground movements. The article also mentions Russia's failed attempts to annex Kherson Oblast and the continuous local resistance. It covers the personal stories of individuals like Iryna, a teacher, and Ryzhenko, a local journalist, who are part of the resistance. The journalist, Thaisa Semenova, appeals to readers to support the Kyiv Independent to continue reporting on such stories.

Viktoria Vozna, a Ukrainian refugee, reflects on her displacement from Brovary to Lisbon due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The war has caused extensive destruction and civilian casualties, leading to over 7.9 million Ukrainians fleeing the country. While many initially planned to return post-war, the ongoing conflict and establishment of new lives abroad may result in a significant number not returning. The article compares this situation to the Balkan Wars, where a small percentage of refugees returned. Factors such as trauma, new relationships, and job opportunities abroad influence decisions to stay or return. The European Commission anticipates 2.5 to 3 million Ukrainians may remain in the EU, which could be beneficial given Europe's demographic decline and labor shortages. Ukraine faces a demographic crisis exacerbated by the war, and its recovery will depend on the return of its citizens. The country's ability to provide housing and economic incentives will be crucial in encouraging refugees to return. The media's portrayal of Ukraine's situation also plays a role in shaping refugees' perceptions and decisions.

On January 18, a helicopter crash in Brovary, east of Kyiv, Ukraine, resulted in the deaths of 14 people, including Ukraine's Interior Minister Denys Monastyrsky and other top officials. The helicopter was en route to a war hotspot when it crashed near a kindergarten, also killing civilians on the ground. President Zelensky expressed the significant loss for the state and appointed National Police Head Ihor Klymenko as acting interior minister. The Security Service of Ukraine is investigating the crash, considering several causes, including technical malfunction and possible foul play. The helicopter, an Airbus H225 Super Puma, was part of a fleet modernization program and was used for various special tasks. The number of victims changed throughout the day due to the ongoing identification process. The new acting interior minister, Ihor Klymenko, has a background in the military and police, with experience as a peacekeeper and psychologist.

The article discusses the plight of people with disabilities in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. Vitalii Pcholkin and his wife, both wheelchair users, faced severe hardships due to the lack of heating and accessible housing in Bucha. Despite the challenges, they managed to evacuate to Lviv. The European Disability Forum estimates that there are 2.7 million people with disabilities in Ukraine, many of whom have been disproportionately affected by the war. The article highlights the difficulties in finding accessible shelters and housing, the targeting of healthcare facilities by Russian forces, and the challenges in obtaining necessary rehabilitation. The United Nations has expressed concern over the treatment of people with disabilities in occupied territories. The author, Thaisa Semenova, emphasizes the importance of telling the stories of vulnerable populations affected by the war and appeals for support for the Kyiv Independent to continue such reporting.

The article discusses the heightened risk of domestic violence in Ukraine amidst the war, using the story of 'Kristina' as a case study. Kristina is trapped with her abusive husband in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, and the war has exacerbated her situation. The article highlights the challenges victims face in seeking help during the conflict, as law enforcement is overwhelmed with war-related issues. It also mentions the work of NGOs like La Strada Ukraine and Women's Perspectives in providing support to victims. The article further explores how some victims have fled to European Union countries for safety, detailing the story of Mariia Goubernik and her sisters who reported their father's abuse to the Spanish police after relocating there as refugees. The article underscores the serious approach to domestic violence cases in Spain, contrasting it with the difficulties faced in Ukraine during the war.

Thaisa Semenova, a reporter for Kyiv Independent, recounts her harrowing escape from Ukraine to Lisbon amid the Russian invasion. She compares her experience to her great-grandmother's during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union. Despite facing the harsh reality of war, Semenova remains determined to share the truth about Russian atrocities and the Ukrainian resistance. She emphasizes the Ukrainian struggle for existence and freedom, expressing hope that Russia will not win this war between democracy and tyranny.

Mariia Shostak experienced childbirth in a Kyiv city maternity hospital bomb shelter amidst Russia's invasion of Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, as the war escalated, Shostak was already in the hospital due to her high-risk pregnancy. The hospital staff had no clear instructions for the situation, and Shostak had to move to the shelter during air raid alerts. Despite the stress and the sounds of nearby missiles, she gave birth to her son on February 25, weighing 4.09 kilograms. The hospital shelter faced shortages, including baby feeding mixtures, and many mothers struggled with lactation due to stress. Shostak and her family spent most of their time in the shelter post-delivery, with her husband and her taking turns to care for their newborn. On March 1, they were discharged, leaving the hospital under the protection of a Territorial Defense Forces soldier.