Wednesday, May 22, is the fourth day since the new mobilization law came into effect, which has already left its mark on the streets of Ukrainian cities. Despite the sunny weather, they simply emptied themselves, as if they suddenly fell into an unfamiliar silence. Parks, squares, streets, boulevards, which were usually crowded with people in a hurry on business or just enjoying a walk, today meet only single passers-by: mothers with strollers, pensioners who, taking a leisurely stroll, discuss the latest news, and a few students who, hiding in the shade of trees, they rush to pair.
Journalists of IA “FAKT” walked the streets of Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, and Sumy and made a photo and video report.
Anna Bezhenska, journalist of IA “FAKT”. walked through the center of the city of Kharkiv and saw that the regional center, in which about 2 million citizens lived before the war, was almost empty. Many people left for other regions and abroad, but the city remained crowded, especially its historical center.
After the adoption of the new law on mobilization, Kharkiv became as if lifeless – no men are visible, only women, children, elderly people and military personnel walk around.
Yuliya Khomenko, journalist of “FAKT” IA walked the streets of Zhytomyr and talked with its residents.
“Before, it was impossible to get through here, especially on weekends. Now you can walk calmly, admire the flowers… But somehow it has become sad, there is not enough noise, children’s laughter, men’s voices that used to fill this place with life.” – recalls Mrs. Olena, a pensioner who lives near the boulevard, looking at the empty benches that were usually occupied by noisy youth.
Mykhailivska Street, the heart of the old city, also, like other streets of the city, is experiencing changes that cannot fail to be noticed by the elderly women who usually discuss the latest news on the benches, but today silently observe the rare passers-by, as if trying to understand where that energy has gone. , which always raged on this street.
Even the Diya Center on Poleva, which was usually crowded with people solving their problems, today works in a quiet mode, because most of the visitors are women who came to check the details of their husbands and sons.
“It seems that our city has aged a few years. Where are all the young guys? It used to be so crowded here, but now it’s a wasteland. Only us old people are left.” – sighs Galina from Zhytomyr.
The Rye Market, usually noisy and crowded, seems empty today, and the few vendors who did go to work are bored behind their counters, trying to attract the attention of single shoppers, most of whom are elderly women.
“Trade has completely fallen. People are afraid to spend money, save on everything. And young guys, who used to be our main buyers, are now somewhere far away, protecting our country.” – complains the seller of vegetables, Mr. Mykola, sorting through tomatoes that have already started to spoil.
Alla Treus, a journalist of IA “FAKT” walked through the streets of Sumy.
At lunchtime on May 22, the streets of the city of Sumy in the central part and on the outskirts are also practically empty. The first stage of the “disappearance” of the townspeople was observed at the beginning of the month, when Ukrainian and foreign media actively discussed a possible attack on Sumy. Even more streets have been emptied since May 18 – after the entry into force of the new legislation on military service.
Now in the city you can often see pensioners or women walking with children, hurrying to the shops or for lunch. Despite the fact that from May 18, conscripts have another 2 months to update their data in the recruitment centers and until then representatives of the TCC cannot detain them and deliver them to the centers, those who do not plan to serve do not risk visiting public places one more time .
Today, it is crowded and bustling near the Sumy District TCC. However, currently there are mostly those who plan to extend the postponement or have health problems. Men near the TCC complain about malfunctions in the electronic queue.
The law on mobilization changed the face of Ukrainian cities, which were always filled with masculine energy. Now they have become more feminine and calm. Cafes and restaurants are dominated by women’s companies, and there are almost no dads playing with children on playgrounds.
Despite the disturbing atmosphere, life in Ukrainian cities continues. All Ukrainians are waiting for the war to end as soon as possible and for their relatives to return home. The streets of our cities will definitely be crowded!
