Leaving safely from Kyiv on another trip to the East, this city without recent experience of war, brings with it some regret. You come to the understanding, the city largely lives in ignorance of the horrors taking place a few hundred kilometers away, in the current situation, it unable to mobilize in the face of danger. It is too far away and too vague despite the information imposed upon us.
I go deep into Shyrokyne where the houses, which had spent many years of work spent on them, seem faceless, their broken windows looking out on the empty street. Carefully walking through yards, in complete silence and alone, with only nature as company, I feel dissonance. In Mariupol, a distance of mere tens of kilometers from the apocalypse I think of the new escalation of the conflict – and all the thousands of shells that came to Shyrokyne, destroying everything in hopes to catch Ukrainian soldiers, could also have come down and Mariupol. But now in the summer heat in Mariupol, on the streets brews are sold from barrels, people are in a light clothing on the beach, the city displays posters for another cultural event…
Широкине. Фото: Serg Marco
Shyrokyne. Photo: Serg Marco
About the war, you can not describe it so that people feel and understand it. War can only be seen yourself as you pass through these ruined buildings as fighters talk about the battles and communicate with people who live in the front-line area. You can feel the fear for an escalation in developments for those living on the line of attack. Recognize their hatred of the enemy, who made it all happen. And then comes the hundredth and thousandth time only one thought – the enemy must not reach peaceful cities. Mariupol should not be like Shyrokyne. Kyiv should not be like Shyrokyne. Dnipro should not be like Shyrokyne. For these peaceful residents of cities it seems unreal, but I’ve been to the front and seen it with my own eyes, realizing the power that is the enemy, and how it could impact peaceful Ukrainian cities, you know – it could happen. Because the enemy – is on our land, and, admittedly, it is strong.
So, while we are living quiet and peaceful lives, visiting bars and restaurants, watching premieres of new movies, we should not forget the assistance to those who protect this peaceful life. While the enemy in our land – the war continues. Do not forget about it.
Author: Serg Marco
People’s Project volunteers show what war looks like in this: video of fierce battle with Russian terrorists given to us by Ukraine’s 53rd Brigade.
Currently the project Rapid Response continues to raise funds for the immediate needs of Ukraine’s guys at the front. Here you can see a list of equipment requested by soldiers and make a contribution.
We will be grateful.
