Irpin, Bucha, Hostomel – these three cities became a symbol of the 1st phase of the war in Ukraine. Not only because of hard fighting or Russia’s unsuccessful attempt to control the airport near Hostomel in a flash.
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From these cities came the first photographs documenting the atrocities committed by Russian occupiers on civilians.
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WITHOUT COMMENT: Irpin and Bucha a month after the Russian occupation forces withdrew.
Photo: Ján Husár and Profimedia.cz
After a month, the newsletter Ján Husár went to places that no one in the world really knew at the beginning of February, and whose names have now been written in sad writing.
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At the turn of February and March, hordes of frightened civilians tried to get to safety across the destroyed bridge near Irpin.
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Today, the ruins are deserted, not far from them is a temporary crossing of the river. The tragedy that took place here is reminiscent of a hastily made Ukrainian flag embedded in the overturned wreck of a destroyed car.
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The only thing that is constantly growing is the local junkyard, where damaged machines are dumped. And unfortunately also a new cemetery, where crosses are increasing every day.
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The iconic street in Buč is empty
Life returns to Buč slowly. The area in front of the church where the mass grave was found is tidy. The bodies were exhumed, there were only a few flowers left in the dirt.
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In addition to photographs of the victims, a long street with a destroyed Russian convoy became the main focus of journalists’ interest. The ruins have been removed, leaving only damaged houses. People did not return to them.
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Flowers in front of the church in Buč, where there was a mass grave.
Photo: Ján Husár
“There is no water, no electricity or gas. Even if those people want to return here, they will not have the basic infrastructure there, “says Ján Husár.
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One of the street dwellers stayed in his house the whole time. He survived and is now trying to repair his house. It is similar to Sisyphean work.
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Although the city will be demined over time, everyone prefers to walk in visible places. But for the first time since the beginning of the war, children can be seen playing on the street. One of the best proofs of a return to normal life.
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