Residents of southeastern Ukrainian city hope to erase traces of war following Russian attacks

By Davit Kachkachishvili

ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine (AA) - Residents of the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, hit by intense Russian missile attacks, hope to rebuild the war-torn city to resume normal life under the shadow of continuing war in the region.

After seeing no serious attacks since the start of the war in late February, the southeastern city was pummeled by intense Russian missile attacks from late September to early October.

High-rise buildings on Zestafoni Street in Zaporizhzhia, a city with a population of some 800,000, were wracked by attacks on Oct. 9.

Sharing their thoughts and experiences from the attacks, residents told Anadolu Agency that they will stay put to rebuild their houses and the city.

Lyudmila, 64, said the explosion of the first missile was not very strong, but several missiles in a row hit the buildings on Oct. 9, adding: "Then there were strong explosions. I heard strange sounds. The windows were shattered by the explosions."

After the bombing she wanted to retrieve her belongings from the house, but it was forbidden to enter due to security reasons.

She said later she tried to take her belongings to a warehouse she rented because she could not return to her apartment for now and that she will temporarily move in with her mother, who lives in the same city.

Ekaterina, another local, said she had nowhere else to stay but her house, which was heavily damaged during the attacks, adding: "Some acquaintances temporarily opened their doors to me, but I don’t know what will happen in the future. I used to have a house but it’s not there anymore."

But she said she felt very lucky that she was not at home the night of the attack.