While Russia is shelling Ukraine’s second largest city with missiles and bombs, Kharkiv continues to live its life.
Despite the constant threat, residents of Kharkiv are looking for small joys during summer vacation. IA “FAKT” observed how people spend their weekends.
Kharkiv, destroyed and wounded, continues to live. In this city that has suffered devastating blows, people find the strength to enjoy life, celebrate, go out for walks and just be together. Every day off here is a symbol of indomitable spirit and striving for a normal life even in war conditions.
This year, graduates of Kharkiv schools celebrated their holiday in a special way. There are no usual solemn ceremonies and loud celebrations in schools, but there is an unwavering desire to be together. For the first time, school graduates celebrated in a bomb shelter.
“We are graduates of the hero city of Kharkiv!” – yesterday’s schoolchildren happily announced.
Parents rejoice with tears in their eyes, worrying about their children and their future. However, children have fun launching colored balloons into the air.
In the parks and on the streets, you can see young men and women in beautiful dresses and suits, with flowers and joyful smiles. They take joint photos, exchange hugs and congratulations, even when the celebration has to be interrupted due to another air alarm.
“We will remember this graduation forever. It is special because it shows that we are strong, that we will continue to live and rejoice, no matter what.” – the graduates say.
The parks of Kharkiv, once quiet and peaceful, are now filled with people who come here to find some peace and to take their mind off the war. Mothers with children, couples in love, elderly people – they all find a place to rest in the green alleys. Children’s laughter, the sounds of music and the noise of conversations are mixed with the occasional sirens that remind people of danger.
“We come here every weekend. Here you can forget about everything, play with children, breathe fresh air. This is very important for us.” – says young mother Olga.
Since 2022, the Central Park of Culture and Recreation in Kharkiv has repeatedly been subjected to artillery fire and rocket attacks from the Russian Federation, 20 attractions have been damaged, and numerous sculptures have also been injured by shrapnel.
Despite the small number of visitors, 58-year-old Maria still comes to work every day to clean the premises and feed the fish that live in the aquariums. She takes sedatives to keep calm. Her son, who went off to fight in 2022, is at home recuperating after losing his leg in the battle for Bakhmut.
“A lot of people are still afraid to come here, so it’s not as busy as it was before the war,” she said.
A group of regulars gathered around the park’s table tennis tables in the shade of the deciduous trees, running back and forth for balls.
Among the players were people who live nearby and have been playing there almost every day since they were 15 years old. The Russian strikes on the park do not stop people who say that in the third year of the war, they simply stopped feeling fear.
Kharkiv’s beaches are also filled with people escaping the summer heat. Here you can see young people, families with children, companies of all ages enjoying the sun and water. They play volleyball, swim and just enjoy every moment.
“When we are on the beach, it seems that the war is far away. Here we can forget about everything, just relax and be together. It gives strength and hope.” – shared student Oleksiy.
Life in Kharkiv now is a constant balance between joy and anxiety. Every siren is a reminder of danger, but every day is proof of the indomitability and strength of people. They find joy in small things, in communication with loved ones, in nature, in their dreams of a peaceful future.
“We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we live today. And we will live, rejoice and dream while we have such an opportunity.” – says pensioner Halyna
Kharkiv residents prove that even in the darkest times, you can find light. And this light is in their hearts, in their love for life.
