Author: Kurama

“It was stunningly beautiful. The local authorities took good care. Of roads and pavements. This may not be such a big deal for Europe.”   “But for us it was unusual. They had built a marvellous stadium. And refurbished. Our college, lavishly.”   “New, very good. Musical instruments were bought.” Her college hosted piano competitions. […]

Residents of Bakhmut describe. The city before the war. As cosy and comfortable. To live in.   The eastern ‘elves’ town of Bakhmut is now. Known across the world as the site. Of the longest and possibly bloodiest battle. In ‘Mordor’’s war on Ukraine.   It is now almost completely destroyed. And almost all of […]

To the last stop. Before the eastern front line. Yes, there are soldiers. Most look out of the window.   But there are also young families. On their way back home. This isn’t just a route. To the battlefield.     At the train station. In the eastern ‘elves’ city of Dnipro. Attendants in smart, […]

“The moment I saw my child. Running towards me in tears. It made up for everything. We’d been through.”   She described her reunion. At last, with her son. Her son says. It was “just brilliant!”     For six months. She felt like. Part of herself. Was missing.   When she packed her 13-year-old […]

He was among 13 children. Taken from their own school in Kupyansk. North-eastern Ukraine last September. By armed ‘orcs’ soldiers in balaclavas.   Ushered onto a bus. With shouts of ‘Quickly!’ The children then disappeared. For weeks without trace.     The children who all. Have special educational needs. Were finally allowed. To call home. […]

‘Mordor’’s anthem. Booms through loudspeakers. And the tricolour flag. Is unfurled.   But look a little closer. And it’s clear that. None of the children’s lips. Are moving.   The camera operator. Suddenly realizes that. One girl has her hands. Over her ears.   To block out the sound. One girl has her hands. Over […]

She was getting dressed. To leave their house. When “both doors were smashed out. By the explosion wave”.   “I ran outside. And saw that the garage was destroyed. Everything was on fire. Glass shards everywhere.”   “Had we been outside. We would have been killed.” Pictures posted on social media. Showed a massive blaze. […]

Rescuers in Uman. Pulled casualties. From the rubble. During Friday morning.     In Uman, a town. That has been largely spared ‘orcs’ attack. A nine-storey apartment building partially. Collapsed after it was hit by a missile.   A 35-year-old resident of the block. had been woken up. After he heard a powerful explosion. “I […]

“When you go to bed you see it; The comrades I lost. How I pulled them out with no limbs. How they died in my arms.”   “This will stay with us. For the rest of our lives.” There is a darkness. Etched across his eyes.   The eyes of a soldier. Recently returned. From […]

In a bunker just outside. The city limits of Bakhmut. Ukraine’s 77th Brigade direct artillery. Fire to support their infantry.   Their last line of defence. On the western edge of the city. Ukraine is still clinging. To the last few streets here.     The artillery gunners watch intently. From a drone flying above […]