Between landmines and fear - Everyday life in war-torn Ukraine | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) as a pervasive threat
• Impact of war on civilian life: displacement, injury, loss of livelihood, psychological trauma
• Mine clearance efforts and challenges
• Resilience and determination of villagers to rebuild their lives
• The long-term consequences of Russian occupation and warfare

Summary

Life in Kamyanka After Russian Occupation

The video documents the harsh realities of life in Kamyanka, a village in eastern Ukraine, after its occupation by Russian forces. The Russian army has withdrawn, but the village is now plagued by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), posing a constant threat to the remaining residents. Before the war, around 1,200 people lived in Kamyanka; now, barely a hundred remain.

The Rushka Family: A Story of Resilience

Vasil and Tatiana Rushka, like many villagers, rely on their land for survival. They cultivate a garden and greenhouse, but a significant portion of their land is now too dangerous to use due to landmines. They had to give up their cows and pigs. Despite their caution, both have been injured by mines.

• Russian Occupation Experience: The Rushkas recount their harrowing experience during the Russian occupation, including being held at gunpoint and nearly executed. They escaped amidst the chaos of a firefight between Russian and Ukrainian soldiers.
• Vasil's Return and Injury: Vasil returned to the village alone after the Russian withdrawal. He was later injured by a mine while collecting munition crates for firewood, resulting in the loss of his foot. He received a prosthesis from an aid organization and recovered with the help of his family.
• Tatiana's Injury: Tatiana was also injured by a mine on her birthday while collecting hay for the cow. Her son's quick action in tying off her leg likely saved her life. She is now using a prosthesis but experiences pain and difficulty walking.
• Refusal to Give Up: Despite their injuries and hardships, the Rushkas are determined to continue living and working on their land. They believe that staying active in their house and garden helps them stay fit.

Artam and the Lost Childhood

Artam, one of the few children remaining in Kamyanka, studies English online and dreams of joining the security service. He misses going to school and playing with his friends. His mother, Tanya, tries to provide him with a normal life despite the dangers.

• Limited Freedom: The children are restricted in their movements due to the presence of mines. They can no longer roam freely as they used to.
• Tanya's Efforts: Tanya gives Artam everything she can because kids don't have a real childhood these days.

Vladimir's Repairs and the Uncertain Future

Vladimir is repairing his house with government assistance (300,000 Hryvnia). His house was deliberately destroyed by the occupiers. His sister has collected over 50 mines on the property. He is skeptical about the future of the village, citing the limited infrastructure and the dangers posed by mines.

• Limited Infrastructure: The village has limited infrastructure, including a bus to the city that runs only once a week and a non-existent school.
• Pessimistic Outlook: Vladimir questions who will rebuild the village and what people would want there.

Mine Clearance Efforts

More than a fifth of Ukraine's territory is estimated to be mined. Clearance teams like the NGO SDF are working to dispose of the danger.

• SDF's Work: The NGO SDF is working to clear mines using both manual methods and specialized machinery.
• Croatian Machine: A Croatian-made machine equipped with hydraulic hammers and cutters is used to destroy munitions in the ground, making the process more efficient and safer.
• Scale of the Problem: Last month, they found 16 of the more than 2 million mines believed to have been planted nationwide.
• Slow and Deliberate Approach: The clearance teams emphasize the importance of working slowly and deliberately to avoid further casualties.

Tanya's Loss and Determination

Tanya returned to Kamyanka with her family after fleeing to western Ukraine during the invasion. They found their house destroyed and learned that her father had been killed.

• Tragic Loss: Tanya's father was killed during the shelling, and his remains were found in a crushed car.
• Unwavering Resolve: Despite the loss and devastation, Tanya cannot imagine living anywhere else. She finds solace in the memories of her childhood home and is determined to rebuild her life in Kamyanka.
• "Mommy, it's so nice here at home." This quote highlights the deep connection to home and the desire to rebuild despite the trauma.

Conclusion

The video paints a grim picture of life in Kamyanka, a village scarred by war and plagued by landmines. Despite the dangers and hardships, the residents display remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild their lives and reclaim their home. The ongoing mine clearance efforts offer a glimmer of hope for a safer future, but the road to recovery is long and arduous. The video underscores the devastating impact of war on civilian populations and the importance of continued support for affected communities.