Ukraine’s Kharkiv bears brunt of war with Russia

By Davit Kachkachishvili

KHARKIV, Ukraine (AA) - Repairs in war-hit Kharkiv in Ukraine are being carried out Friday on damaged buildings and private dwellings as the city bears the brunt of the war from heavy Russian shelling.

The country’s second-largest city suffered destruction as it became the target of Russian attacks.

Although the army recaptured most of the Kharkiv region from Russian forces by way of a counterattack last fall, many still cannot return.

-Severnaya Saltivka: Residential area in ruins

In the Severnaya Saltivka residential district private dwellings, kindergartens and schools were destroyed by attacks during the first days of the war.

Due to its proximity to the frontline, Saltivka became the target of attacks and residents could not return homes until September because of security reasons.

Municipal teams continue to clean up the residential district which has fallen into ruins. It still lacks gas and experts are trying to renew electrical connections in the district.

-Residents impatiently wait to return home

Alina, 38, who did not reveal her last name due to security reasons, told Anadolu that repairs continue that will allow residents to return to the neighborhood.

She conveyed the demands to municipal authorities of residents whose houses were destroyed.

She had to leave Saltivka with her family as the war began in February.

"The war began at 4.30 a.m. on Feb. 24. We were all at home. We left our house immediately,” she said.

Some who have no place to go stayed in the neighborhood, she said. "We call those people, 'people who love Severnaya Saltivka.’"

Alina said the district suffered destruction because it is close to the road that leads to the Russian border. "All the infrastructure around was damaged," she said.

Repairs are being carried out on houses that could be inhabited, she said.

"The destruction is very severe. Therefore, people can only return here in the spring," said Alaina. "People want to return to their homes. We are not afraid of anything here. We are used to everything. If possible, we will all return to our homes immediately. In fact, there are still people living in their homes here without electricity and no service," she said.