The Kiev suburb of Bucha has gone down in history as a particularly sad chapter. Here the Russian invaders were forced to return in the spring of 2022. But before they left the small town, they massacred the population, destroyed and looted houses, leaving behind death and destruction.
March 2022 vs May 2023
When war monitors arrived on the scene, the bodies of executed people lay in the streets and backyards, and tortured and murdered Ukrainian soldiers were stabbed upside down in sewers. The image of a shot pensioner who was out and about on his bicycle went around the world.
One of the first to enter the city was the Ukrainian journalist Serhiy Nuzhnenko (Twitter, Instagram). He documented Bucha’s suffering and destruction for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and spoke to survivors. A year later he visited the terrible theater of war again.
The signs have changed. Thanks to an American relief fund, thanks to private donations and the sale of land before the war, it is possible to renovate and build here. And it’s big and not cluttered – at least on the outside: where tank wrecks used to pile up, modern bus stations are now.
The Vokzalna – the main road through Bucha towards Kiev – was completely renovated, with new sidewalks and a new road surface, destroyed houses were demolished or renovated.
Nothing here should remind you of the Russian war crimes. Mortar and paint dry quickly. The visit of a NZZ team showed that the psychological wounds will continue to hurt for decades.
In order to show images as congruent as possible, some photos have been edited by watson.ch. You can find the originals here.
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
