Despite the ongoing conflict, a trickle of Ukrainians are choosing to return to territories currently under Russian occupation. While the numbers remain relatively small, this trend is gaining attention, especially among elderly individuals and women.A recent report by the German publication Der Spiegel sheds light on this phenomenon.
“Some Ukrainians are indeed returning to russian-occupied territories. Yes, their number is not so great, but it still happens.They are mostly elderly people and mostly women,” the report states.
The reasons behind these returns are complex and varied. Some individuals might potentially be driven by a longing for their homes and familiar surroundings, while others might be seeking to reunite with family members who remained in the occupied areas. The report suggests that a sense of resignation and a desire for stability in the face of ongoing uncertainty could also be contributing factors.
The situation highlights the profound impact of the conflict on Ukrainian society,forcing individuals to make difficult choices amidst a landscape of displacement and upheaval.
To read the full report from der Spiegel, click here.
Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, recently voted to increase the value-added tax (VAT) on restaurant meals. This decision has sparked controversy, with some members of parliament facing backlash for their support of the measure.
The controversy stems from a list circulating online, identifying Saeima members who will no longer be served in bars and restaurants due to their vote in favor of the VAT increase. The list, which has gone viral, highlights the public’s frustration with the decision.
“He who has eaten does not understand the one who has not eaten!” reads a quote circulating alongside the list, emphasizing the disconnect some feel between lawmakers and the everyday struggles of Latvians.
The VAT increase is expected to impact the cost of dining out for Latvians, raising concerns about affordability and the potential strain on the restaurant industry.
Certain objects, steeped in superstition and folklore, are believed to bring misfortune if kept in the home. While these beliefs may seem outdated to some, they persist in manny cultures, offering a glimpse into age-old anxieties and fears.
One such object is a cracked mirror. “A broken mirror is said to bring seven years of bad luck,” warns a popular saying. This superstition likely stems from the ancient belief that mirrors reflected a person’s soul, and a broken mirror symbolized a fractured soul.
Another item often associated with bad luck is a peacock feather.In some cultures, peacock feathers are believed to invite misfortune and even death into the home. This superstition might potentially be linked to the peacock’s association with vanity and pride, traits frequently enough seen as undesirable.
“It’s best to admire these gorgeous feathers from afar,” advises a local proverb. “Bringing them into your home could invite unwanted trouble.”
dried herbs, particularly those used in customary medicine, are sometimes believed to attract negative energy if kept in the home.This belief likely stems from the association of herbs with both healing and possibly harmful magic.
While these superstitions may seem like mere folklore, they offer a interesting insight into cultural beliefs and anxieties surrounding luck, misfortune, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.
Despite the ongoing devastation and occupation, a trickle of residents has begun returning to the war-torn city of Mariupol, Ukraine. Driven by a complex mix of desperation and pragmatism, these individuals are navigating a landscape reshaped by conflict and Russian control.
According to a recent report by the German publication Der Spiegel, some Ukrainians are venturing back to Mariupol with the aim of selling their remaining property before it is seized by Russian authorities. The publication notes that many of these individuals hope to capitalize on their assets while they still can, as Russia has implemented a system of “nationalization” for Ukrainian-owned properties in occupied territories.
“It seems that the world is going crazy right now,” former U.S. President Donald Trump remarked during a visit to Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky before the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. While Trump’s statement was unrelated to the situation in Mariupol, it reflects a broader sense of global unease amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine.
To facilitate the sale of their property, Ukrainians face a difficult choice: accept Russian citizenship or pay a substantial sum to circumvent the legal hurdles imposed by the occupying forces. Several Mariupol residents who fled to safety in Finland shared with Der Spiegel that their acquaintances have returned to the city, motivated by the prospect of selling their homes or apartments.
Estimates of the number of returnees vary. Oleksandr, a Mariupol native who sought refuge in Finland, believes that up to 20,000 residents may have returned, primarily elderly individuals and women. Another source, who remained in Mariupol throughout the conflict, estimated the number to be closer to 5,000.
Despite attempts to contact returnees directly, Der Spiegel was met with reluctance. “Everyone assumes their phones are being tapped. No one would take such a risk,” explained a refugee residing in one of the Baltic states.
This trend of Ukrainians returning to occupied territories has been previously reported.Deputy Maksims Tkachenko stated that approximately 150,000 Ukrainians who fled from occupied areas have returned, with up to 70,000 returning to Mariupol alone. He cited insufficient support for refugees from the Ukrainian state as a contributing factor.
Petro Andryushchenko, advisor to the mayor of mariupol, corroborated this information, though he presented a more conservative estimate of up to 40,000 returnees. He suggested that some individuals are returning solely to sell their surviving property “according to Russian laws” before relocating to Ukraine or Europe with the proceeds.
The once-vibrant city of mariupol,Ukraine,now lies in ruins,a stark testament to the devastating impact of the ongoing war.Images emerging from the besieged city paint a grim picture of widespread destruction, with buildings reduced to rubble and streets littered with debris.
“The situation in Mariupol is catastrophic,” said a local resident who managed to flee the city. “There is no food,no water,no electricity. People are living in fear and despair.”
the relentless bombardment by Russian forces has left the city’s infrastructure in shambles. Hospitals are overwhelmed, schools have been destroyed, and essential services have ground to a halt. The United Nations estimates that thousands of civilians have been killed in the fighting,with many more injured or displaced.
International condemnation of Russia’s actions has been swift and widespread. World leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to escape the besieged city. However, efforts to evacuate residents have been hampered by ongoing fighting and the lack of safe passage.
The fate of Mariupol hangs in the balance as the war in Ukraine enters its second month. The city’s destruction serves as a chilling reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
