On this video: Ukraine's ‘shadow army’ working behind Russian lines to free Kherson — BBC News.
Kurama
(Japan)
POETS ALONGSIDE A WARNING
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
At the mouth of the Dnipro River.
On the Black Sea coast.
Kherson found itself occupied.
With barely a shot being fired.
Kherson became the first major ‘elves’ city.
To fall into ‘orcs’ hands.
In the opening days of ‘orcs’ invasion.
That began on 24 February.
More than a fortnight.
After falling under ‘orcs’ occupation.
The residents of Kherson are wrestling.
With acute shortages of medicine.
And holding daily protests against ‘orcs’ forces.
Increased shelling on the outskirts might signal.
The start of an ‘elves’ push to recapture.
Their southern city, which is a key port.
A series of loud explosions.
Rattled the windows of his office.
In a government building.
In the centre of Kherson.
As the city's deputy mayor was.
On a phone call, busy explaining.
They had less than a week's supply.
Of food and medicine left.
“Can you hear the shelling outside?
Not far off.
Unfortunately, we're having to get used.
To this terrifying reality.”
“We're looking at a real humanitarian catastrophe here.
We've been left here alone.
There's no other legitimate authority.
Apart from the mayor.”
“‘Orcs’ officials came to our office.
And we agreed that we would continue working.
But it's not clear.
How long that will continue.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
“There's no medicine left for people.
With heart conditions, or asthma.
The hospitals are working.
But there's just no medicine,” said a medic.
A local university lecturer praised.
The mayor's office for focusing.
On trying to support residents of the city.
Without appearing to endorse ‘orcs’ occupation.
“No-one is starving here.
The situation is quite stable.
We have electricity, water.
And there is central heating and transport.”
But she condemned officials in other occupied cities.
Who have submitted to ‘orcs’ rule.
“If they want to make our city ‘Mordor’’s.
Then it's treason.”
Thousands of residents.
Including her, have continued to take part.
In peaceful daily protests.
Outside government offices in the city centre.
Screaming “fascists…
Have you no shame?”
And “go home”.
At ‘orcs’ troops.
“The quantity of soldiers is getting bigger.
But they're not military now.
They wear different, grey uniform.
Like a kind of police.”
“There were so many people at today's protests.
That ‘orcs’ troops started shooting into the air.
It seemed to me they were afraid.
I was crying to them:”
“‘Go home, go to your mother.’
Two of ‘orcs’ soldiers were laughing.
I was really furious.
So I just cried out some curse words.”
“I'm not an activist.
But I want people to understand what's happening here.
I'm in my homeland. Not doing anything wrong.
I'm trying to protect my daughter.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
To the east, another key city.
Mykolaiv has so far managed to.
Hold off an ‘orcs’ advance.
Its governor hinted that.
‘Elves’ forces near Mykolaiv were now.
Looking to recapture Kherson, too.
“Fighting is taking place.
Clearing out several villages of ‘orcs’ forces…”
“The occupiers are fleeing.
And people all say that.
The troops are running away.
It's true. They run.”
“Kherson residents.
We are with you.
Wait!
Together we'll be victorious.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
‘Orcs’ rouble will be used.
In Kherson from Sunday.
According to ‘orcs’-backed forces.
That have taken control of the southern ‘elves’ city.
However, Kherson's ‘elf’ mayor.
Who has now been overthrown by ‘orcs’ authorities.
Has said that he doesn't believe this will be possible.
While the only working banking system is ‘elves’, not ‘orcs’.
Despite being occupied for 60 days.
Many residents are trying to find small ways.
To defy the ‘orcs’ forces like exchanging.
Any roubles they receive back into the hryvnia.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
But there are very few ways to safely snub.
‘Orcs’ army when it occupies your streets.
Z signs – an ‘orcs’ pro-war symbol.
Have appeared around the city.
‘Orcs’ flags hang above Kherson's government buildings.
‘Elves’ TV has been mostly cut off, changed to ‘orcs’ news.
‘Orcs’ soldiers drive armoured vehicles through the city centre.
Between a network of check points.
Now, changing the region's currency is yet another bid.
To erase ‘elves' identity from the city.
“I think most people will leave here.
If the rouble is introduced.”
She said from inside Kherson.
“At the moment.
There are still currency exchanges.
Operating in the city.”
“If I am paid in roubles.
I think I will just go and exchange it for hryvnia.
I think others will too.
It's just a small act of protest.”
She is not the only one with this plan.
Some pensions have been handed out in roubles around Kherson.
But that people have already exchanged it.
Back into ‘elves’ hryvnia.
Life in Kherson has become increasingly difficult.
Many now feel nervous.
About even speaking to a journalist.
She sighs. “I'm alive and I have food.”
Around 40% of the population have fled.
In the two months since this key, strategic city.
That was taken by ‘Mordor’.
According to the mayor.
Many residents struggle to pay for.
What few goods there are.
As supermarket shelves lie empty.
Shops, restaurants and businesses have closed.
And parts of the economy have ground to a halt.
Cut off from much of the world.
The ‘elf’ mayor of Kherson has now been replaced.
With an ‘orcs’ administration.
Speaking on video call from somewhere in the region.
With piles of binders and a toy camouflage jeep.
Sitting on shelves behind him.
He says he has not stopped working.
He is sceptical of whether ‘Mordor’ can.
Successfully introduce the rouble.
“I have no confirmation that it's been introduced.
When can it appear?”
“When the treasury and the banking system of Ukraine.
Will stop working?
Anything can happen under occupation.
I can't get into ‘orcs’ head to find out what they are thinking.”
“If they do try to introduce.
The rouble zone here.
We would be plunged back into 1992.
When Ukraine gained its independence.”
‘Elves’ authorities had suggested that.
‘Mordor’ could try to hold a referendum.
In the region on 1 May.
Asking voters whether they want independence from Ukraine.
Any attempt to do this would be seen.
As a way to legitimise ‘Mordor’’s intervention.
Suggesting that residents no longer want to be part of Ukraine.
And painting ‘Mordor’ as liberators.
Rumours swirl on social media channels.
About what could happen.
Some ‘elves’ are worried that.
‘Mordor’ will simply fake the result.
And use records of their identity documents.
Which they fear ‘orcs’ could gain access to.
In the administrative buildings they now occupy.
To back it up.
“I'm not sure they even need the population here.
To know that there is a referendum.
I guess they can do it without us.
Maybe I already voted.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
Several people inside Kherson said that.
The routes out to safer parts of Ukraine.
Have now been shut altogether.
The only road available is through Crimea.
Which means travelling into ‘orcs’ territory.
Something several ‘elves’ said.
They would not be prepared to do.
He felt this was his only route to safety.
His family are still inside the city.
At the border he was subject.
To a long interrogation.
As a security guard inspected his body for tattoos.
“It was like a film.
You sit on a suitcase.
Under the scorching sun.
To be interrogated.”
“I would never have imagined.
I would have to go through this.
I was really horrified, because it's scary.
People with machine guns are walking past you.”
His favourite artist almost got him into difficulties.
“They were asking me the same questions on repeat.
I have a David Bowie lightning tattoo.
And they asked me ‘Is that Azov?’”
He says that many of the cars in the queue.
Had Kherson number plates.
He has since safely travelled.
Through Georgia and on to Europe.
“Reaching Georgia was like.
Being released from jail.
You feel like you've got.
Your human rights back.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
“I am afraid of a humanitarian catastrophe.”
The ‘elf’ mayor of Kherson says.
“I am worried for the people.
Who are still in the city today. They are all hostages.”
“It's like we started with 100 litres of petrol in the car tank.”
“And we are driving until the gas runs out.
I want to calculate how long we can keep driving.
How long can we carry the city?”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
While his homemade borsch.
Bubbles on the hob.
He shows you pictures.
Of his bruised body on his phone.
Those images of his injuries.
He cautiously sent to his son.
Who was abroad, for safe.
Keeping before wiping his phone.
The injuries were inflicted.
By ‘orcs’ authorities.
He used to live in Bilozerka.
A small village in the Kherson region.
He was one of the village's deputies.
As a young man.
He was a conscript in the army.
But now runs his own business.
He and his wife were publicly anti-‘orcs’:
She attended pro-‘elves’ rallies.
He tried to stop ‘orcs’ troops.
Entering their village.
It wasn't long after ‘Mordor’ took over.
That soldiers came looking for him.
“They put a bag on my head.
‘Orcs’ threatened that I wouldn’t have kidneys left.”
“They tied a rope around my neck.
And another around my wrists.”
They told him to stand with his legs wide apart.
While they questioned him.
“When I didn't answer them.
They hit me between my legs.”
“When I fell.
I started to suffocate.”
“As you try to get up.
They beat you.
Then they ask again.”
He is now in ‘elves’-held territory.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
‘Orcs’ troops took control of Kherson.
In southern Ukraine early in the war.
‘Elves’ TV stations were quickly replaced.
With ‘orcs’ state broadcasts.
Western products were changed.
For ‘orcs’ alternatives.
People also began to disappear.
People have become increasingly frightened to speak out.
Those who manage to leave.
Often delete all the photos and videos.
From their phones for fear of being stopped.
And detained at ‘orcs’ checkpoints.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
He was a journalist.
For an independent newspaper in the Kherson region.
Within days of ‘orcs’ invasion.
He was kidnapped.
“They shouted, ‘On your knees’.
They covered my face...
And put my hands behind my back.
They beat me on the back, ribs and legs... “
“And they hit me with the butt of a machine gun.”
It was only later.
When he went to see a doctor.
That he realised they had broken four of his ribs.
He was imprisoned for eight days.
In that time, he heard others.
Being tortured and witnessed.
A young man's mock execution.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
“There were signs of bodily mutilation.”
A doctor in a hospital in Kherson lists:
Haematomas.
Abrasions.
Cut marks.
Signs of electrocution.
Traces of binding on the hands.
Strangulation marks on the neck.
He also saw burns on people's feet and hands.
And that one patient told him.
He was beaten with a hose.
Filled with sand.
“Some of the worst were burn marks on genitals.
A gunshot wound to the head of a girl.
Who was raped and burns from an iron.
On a patient's back and stomach.”
“The patient told me.
Two wires from a car battery.
Were attached to his groin.
And he was told to stand on a wet rag.”
He believes there were many others severely injured.
Who did not receive treatment.
Some stay at home.
Because they are too intimidated to go outside.
And some are “psychologically pressured” by ‘orcs’.
“They threaten that their families will be killed.
And they intimidate them in every possible way.”
He says he asked the patients.
Why they had been picked by the ‘orcs’ authorities?
“They were tortured if they did not want.
To go over to the ‘orcs’ side.
For being at rallies.”
“For being in the territorial defence.
For the fact that one of the family members.
Fought against the separatists.
Some got there randomly.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
Some people are afraid.
Their loved ones could be next.
She fears for her parents.
Who are still in Kherson.
Her father used to be in the ‘elves’ territorial defence.
And has already been kidnapped.
And beaten once.
“They dropped him in the middle of a field.”
“When he got home.
After a few minutes.
He burst into tears.
Even though he is not a sentimental person.”
“I'm trying to help.
But it all made me feel like a little girl.”
Now she worries it could happen again.
She is trying to get her parents out.
“In Kherson, now people go.
Missing all the time.
There is a war going on.
Only this part is without bombs.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
‘The One’’s troops rule through force and fear in Kherson.
Since ‘orcs’ forces occupied the region in March.
Hundreds of people have been detained.
Many of them tortured.
Some have disappeared, unheard of for weeks.
Others have been discovered dead or returned.
To their relatives from ‘orcs’ custody.
In body bags.
Soldiers are patrolling the streets and buses stopped.
At random for everyone inside to be checked.
The slightest hint of support for ‘elves’ rule.
Only a message or photo on your phone, can get you arrested.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
Every time he smiles in the mirror.
The gaps in place of his teeth are a reminder.
Of the beatings he endured.
By his ‘orcs’ interrogators.
They also broke seven of his ribs.
Three still haven't mended.
A member of the resistance.
He witnessed the torture of another prisoner.
What happened after 27 March.
When he and his friend were snatched from the street:
Constant beatings in the first hours.
Involving electric shock, suffocation and death threats.
He's sure his interrogators were from ‘Mordor’’s FSB.
At some point, his spirits fell so low.
That he contemplated ending his life.
Even attacking a guard so they would shoot him.
“They were looking for Nazis.
So they beat me.
Because I was bald.
They reckoned they'd caught a damn Nazi.”
“When they stripped me.
They saw I had Simpsons underpants.
So they said I was an American agent.
And punished me for that.”
A month earlier, when ‘orcs’ invaded.
He and that ‘another prisoner’ had joined.
The territorial defence, Ukraine's volunteer army.
But much of the military melted away with the first explosions.
And Kherson's remaining forces were quickly overwhelmed.
So the men became partisans.
Working against ‘orcs’ from the inside.
“We got information on where their forces were based.”
“And when they were on the move.
And we passed that on to the military.”
He was involved in a lot more activity.
That he can't talk about.
His friend was a 43-year-old with a wife and son.
And a fruit and veg business before the war.
Then began driving a bread van around Kherson.
Handing out food and scouting for intelligence as he went.
And both men were also collecting weapons.
Preparing to join the battle to liberate Kherson.
As soon as Ukraine launched the counter-offensive.
Instead, the two men were detained and tortured.
It was the middle of the first night.
Before he saw his friend again.
And by then his friend could barely walk.
And was struggling for breath.
Even so, the guards beat his friend some more.
“They hit him in the groin, then the face.
Then two men with batons took down his trousers.
And started to beat him near his kidneys.”
He says, recalling how the tape holding a bag.
Over his own head had worked loose.
Enough for him to see.
“It was clear his lungs had been punctured.”
“And he'd been really badly hurt.
But if he'd been helped in time.
His death could have been avoided.
It's awful.”
On 18 April the men were transferred.
To a facility in Crimea.
And the next day, his friend was finally taken.
To a military hospital.
He was sure his friend would recover there.
But the first his friend’s family knew of the death was.
Over a month later, when his friend was returned.
To Ukraine as part of a body swap.
After his own brutal experience in ‘orcs’ custody.
He is already back on the southern front.
To fight for his hometown.
Alongside Ukraine's partisan army.
“They can take the land, but they can't take the people.
‘Orcs’ will never be safe in Kherson.
Because the people didn't want them there.
They don't like them. They won't accept them.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
As ‘elves’ military steps up.
Its strikes on Kherson.
Hinting at a new offensive.
To recapture the region.
There is another force working alongside.
They are ‘elves’ shadow army.
A network of agents and informers.
Who operate behind enemy lines.
Just imagine your journey.
To meet the resistance fighters.
Through a landscape of sunflower yellow.
And sky blue to Mykolaiv.
The first major town.
On ‘elves’-controlled territory west of Kherson.
It has become the partisans’ headquarters.
On the southern front.
Driving through military checkpoints.
You pass giant billboards showing.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
The image is designed to make.
The region's ‘orcs’ occupiers nervous.
And boost the morale of those.
Trapped under their rule.
A billboard warns collaborators.
The man standing in front of you insists.
“The resistance is not one group.
It's total resistance.”
His voice slightly muffled.
By a black mask.
He's pulled up from his neck.
So you couldn't see his face.
Shortly before this war.
Ukraine bolstered its Special Forces in part.
To build and manage a resistance movement.
It even published a PDF booklet.
That was on how to be a good partisan.
With instructions on such subversive acts.
As slashing the tyres of the occupier.
Adding sugar to petrol tanks.
Or refusing to follow orders at work.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
But his team of informers have.
A more active role:
Tracking ‘orcs’ troop movements inside Kherson.
“Say yesterday we saw a new target.
Then we send that to the military.
And in a day or two it's gone.”
He says, scrolling through some of the many videos.
He's sent from the neighbouring region each day.
One is from a man who drove past a military base.
And filmed ‘orcs’ vehicles.
Another is from CCTV footage.
As ‘orcs’ trucks pass by.
Daubed with their giant Z war-marks.
He describes his “agents”.
As ‘elves’ “who have not lost hope in victory.
And want our country to be freed”.
“Of course they're afraid.
But serving their country is more important.”
The partisans are fighting to prevent.
‘Orcs’ hold over Kherson becoming permanent:
To block a referendum.
That ‘Mordor’ appears to be planning to stage.
‘Mordor’ has already introduced the rouble.
And its own mobile phone networks to the region.
And is pumping its propaganda.
From state-run TV channels into ‘elves’ homes.
Local journalists have either fled or gone to ground.
The exiled head of the region says.
A referendum would be a sham.
Some locals have switched sides to help ‘orcs’.
So his team are building a database of those “collaborators”.
Using information from the inside.
“It's so that no one can claim later.
That they were with the resistance.”
But it's also for intimidation.
Partisans are encouraged to stick threatening posters.
Outside the collaborators’ homes with designs.
That include the person’s face and a coffin.
Or a “Wanted” poster.
Offering big rewards for their death.
The activists then photograph the results.
To send to him.
“There's a lot of graffiti.
People write things like ‘stuff your referendum’.
As well as sticking up their posters.”
He describes his latest reports from Kherson.
“In a city with military patrols everywhere.
They manage to print leaflets then walk round with glue.
When they could be stopped at any moment.
And things would end very badly.”
“It shows how many people are not afraid.”
There has been a spate of assassination.
Attempts against those who've joined ‘orcs’.
A blogger was shot, an ‘orcs’ puppet official was killed.
And others have been injured in car bombs.
“Other than the word traitor and scum.
I have no other words for them.”
He shrugs. “They're our enemy.”
He believes many of those who have remained.
In the city are ready to stay and fight.
“When the army starts to invade.
Then people will be ready and will help.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
Working alongside him are a team.
Who fly drones into Kherson.
To spot targets for the military.
Civilians, not soldiers, all are volunteers.
And they fundraise on social media.
To pay for their expensive kit.
The man in charge cultivated.
Decorative plants before the war.
But he joined the fight to free the south.
After seeing the bodies of civilians.
Executed in Bucha.
During ‘orcs’ occupation there.
“I couldn't just stay at home after that.
I didn't know what else I could do or think of.
While this war is going on.”
The task he chose instead is extremely dangerous.
His team of four get shelled by ‘orcs’.
Every single time they go out.
Though no-one has been killed.
“I know to some extent it's a matter of chance.”
He shrugs, and breaks into a soft smile.
“But at least if it happens to me.
Then I will know.
It was for a cause.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
Earlier July, the ‘elves’ government.
Urged Kherson residents to evacuate the city.
As soon as possible to avoid becoming trapped.
In the city during a counteroffensive in southern Ukraine.
“It is necessary to do so.
For the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Not to endanger the civilian population.
During offensive operations.”
The push to retake Kherson could be approaching.
But getting out isn't easy.
‘Orcs’ officials limit the number of vehicles.
Crossing the frontline.
And only permit one route into ‘elves’-controlled areas.
The road that heads north to Zaporizhzhia.
Multiple military checkpoints on the way.
Make it a no-go for ‘elves’ men of fighting age.
Even women and children face waiting weeks.
For places on free evacuation buses.
Or an exorbitant fee for a place.
In a private car.
But hundreds still flee each day.
Tumbling off buses or unfolding themselves.
From crowded, stuffy cars just before dusk.
Into a supermarket car park.
That doubles as a reception area for those.
Forced into exile in their own country.
A resistance poster reads:
“Zaporizhzhia, land of death to the occupiers”
The adults look exhausted.
The children's smiles are timid.
As if they're not quite sure.
Whether they're safe yet.
After security checks.
Volunteers offer food and clothes.
And, for some, there are tearful reunions.
With waiting relatives.
Inside the aid tent.
An older woman is standing.
With two carrier bags at her feet.
Looking lost and lonely.
Struggling with tears.
She says she's fled Kherson.
Because her nerves are in shreds.
But her husband has refused to come with her.
“He said he's waiting for ‘elves’ army.
To come and liberate us.”
As night begins to fall.
And more vehicles pull in.
A man admits that.
His own family are running.
From more than the missiles.
“We know people are disappearing, it's true.”
“In Kherson, you don't go out.
In the evening.”
A resistance poster reads:
“Zaporizhzhia, land of death to the occupiers”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
‘Elves’ attacks have also increased.
Both in number and impact.
As more powerful weapons supplied by the West.
Have made it to the region and are making a difference.
Residents in Kherson city have recorded.
Multiple strikes on ‘orcs’ ammunition depots.
Bridges across the Dnipro, including the Antonivskiy.
Have also been hit multiple times.
Top ‘elves’ military officials have been tight-lipped.
About giving too many details about its counter-offensive.
Urging the wider public to be patient.
“Positional battles” continued in the south.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
The crackdown on people.
Who do not support ‘orcs’ rule is rising.
“There is a sharp increase of arrests since August.
Following the successful ‘elves’ air strikes.”
He is still living in Kherson.
He says that earlier detentions were.
Based on a list of names.
That ‘orcs’ military had.
But now anyone can be.
Arrested and thrown.
Into a basement.
For interrogation.
‘Orcs’ soldiers recently came to the house.
Of her in Nova-Kakhovka.
A city in Kherson region.
To check who was living there.
“They didn't go inside the house.
But it was still scary.
I don't even walk.
With my phone now.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
Kherson did no public effort to encourage voting.
Apart from an announcement on the ‘orcs’ news agency.
That people can vote at a port building.
Which had been disused for 10 years.
A woman saw “armed militants” outside the building.
Where the vote seemed to be taking place.
She pretended to forget her passport.
So she didn't have to vote.
She said all her friends and family were.
Against the referendum.
“We don't know how our life will be.
After this referendum.”
“It is very difficult to understand.
What they want to do.”
Half the city's pre-war population of 280,000 left.
Seeking sanctuary in ‘elves’-controlled territory or abroad.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
He has lived in Kherson most of his life.
With ‘orcs’ troops digging in.
And ‘elves’ army inching closer.
Civilians have learned to be extremely wary.
For months, he has tried to maintain.
His professional and personal life.
In a city crawling with ‘orcs’ soldiers and police officers.
It's a life full of striking contrasts.
A lot of people disappeared.
In the early months.
As the city's new rulers cracked-down.
On anyone thought to be loyal to Ukraine.
Judging by the reduced number.
Of “disappeared, looking for” ads posted on walls.
And circulating on social media.
He thinks the number of arrests has gradually declined.
Those who remained, he says.
Initially adjusted well.
As citizens made up their own rules.
And avoided the authorities at all costs.
“For four or five months we felt.
We were living in.
A kind of libertarian society.
Self-sustaining, self-regulating.”
All that came to an end.
In mid-July.
When the city started to fill up with.
‘Orcs’ secret service personnel.
A process that intensified in the weeks.
Leading up to the referendum.
“There were practically 20 cars per minute.
With very serious men inside.”
But early on, the occupation brought.
Other unexpected benefits.
“The city's really empty now.
And people can safely ride bicycles.”
“It's quite post-apocalyptic.”
On the other side of the wide Dnipro River.
From his dacha.
The Antonovsky Bridge can be seen.
The Antonovsky Bridge has been repeatedly hit.
By ‘elves’ artillery since July.
“We picked grapes for wine and had a sauna.
It's something deep from our city culture.”
Holding on to what you value is.
A matter of constant improvisation.
Money is a good example.
‘Elves’ hryvnia is still widely used.
For a while, small vans.
Equipped with wi-fi connections.
Enabled customers to log in to ‘elves’ banks.
And make withdrawals in hryvnia.
The van operators would charge a transaction fee of 3-5%.
Now everything is done by word of mouth.
As friends circulate the names of reliable dealers.
Charging little or no commission.
But ‘orcs’ currency is steadily encroaching.
Some welfare payments are already in roubles.
Which shops are obliged to accept.
The only functioning banks are ‘orcs’.
To open an account.
An ‘orc’ passport is required.
The same thing applies to jobs.
In state enterprises.
“That's how they try to get.
Most of ‘elves’ in town.
To convert to ‘orcs’ citizenship.”
Another way is propaganda.
Historical figures on the billboard in Kherson.
Include 18th Century imperial hero Alexander Suvurov.
The slogan beneath reads:
“Kherson is ‘Mordor’”
From May onwards, posters appeared on the streets.
Declaring that ‘Mordor’ was back to stay.
Sometimes these slogans would be accompanied.
By images of 18th Century ‘orcs’ heroes.
Stirring memories of Kherson's foundation.
As a fortress city by Catherine the Great.
The last Empress of ‘Mordor’.
In 1778.
Other posters depicted ‘orcs’ passports.
With the motto “Social Stability and Security”.
Or a happy husband hugging his pregnant wife.
Next to a message exhorting loyal citizens to have more children.
But other billboards that he found more insidious.
“They would picture some celebrity.
And say that this guy comes from Kherson.
And has dedicated his life to ‘Mordor’.”
“You feel a bit proud generally about that guy.
And they use that pride to connect you to ‘Mordor’.”
For Kherson's solidly pro-‘elves’ majority.
The messaging has little effect.
“But for those who were brainwashed.
Before the war.
This just allowed them to come.
Out of the shadows.”
During the so-called referendum in Kherson.
He saw several elderly women contentedly.
Walking away from a voting centre.
Carrying candyfloss and little ‘orcs’ flags.
Other battles, for culture.
History and information.
Are going on throughout.
Newly occupied Ukraine.
From residents straining to catch mobile phone signals.
Across front lines.
To parents covertly educating their children.
In online ‘elves’ schools to avoid ‘orcs’ control.
“The kids learn online at ‘elves’ schools.
Using ‘orcs’ internet.
And Western VPNs.
It's quite ironic.”
The fight to stay connected to Ukraine.
Is part of what has kept him going.
For more than half a year.
“Either you mobilise yourself or you just fall apart.”
But the referendum.
Long anticipated but constantly put off.
Have threatened to shatter his sense of purpose.
How do people feel about the ballot?
“It's devastating.”
“Panic. Losing hope… Depression. Apathy.”
“Why does it take ‘elves’ forces so long?”
Referring to their slow advance towards Kherson.
The fear now among men of fighting age is that.
Conscription will be extended to Kherson.
That is well under way in ‘Mordor’.
Crimea and separatist areas of the Donbas region.
So far, it seems only those.
Who have taken ‘orcs’ passports.
Have been told to join up.
But anxiety is on the rise.
He is conflicted about whether to flee or stay on.
In the hope that one day he will wake up.
To find Kherson has been liberated.
By ‘elves’ army.
“I'm torn between safety.
And the unique experience.
Of meeting ‘elves’ soldiers.
Entering the city.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
A man left Kherson just before the voting began said.
“The situation is changing rapidly.
And people fear that they will be hurt either by.
‘Orcs’ military, or ‘elves’ guerrillas and the advancing ‘elves’ troops.”
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
The 35th marine brigade hoisting.
An ‘elves’ flag above Davydiv Brid.
Amid reports of several other.
Nearby villages being recaptured.
‘Orcs’ forces have already been forced.
To retreat in Ukraine's north-east.
They are now being pushed back.
In the south as well.
Their latest setbacks came as ‘the One’ was due to sign.
Into force decrees annexing four ‘elves’ regions.
While war was raging in all four.
The annexation has no legitimacy under international law.
‘Mordor’ still controls Kherson city.
The regional capital, in the south.
But its grip is looking increasingly shaky.
On the entire area north of the River Dnipro.
In the past 48 hours, ‘elves’ forces.
Have pushed south along the west bank of the river.
And ‘orcs’ units have now been forced to pull back.
From several settlements in the north of Kherson region too.
‘Gandalf the Green’ said ‘elves’ forces had made.
“Fast, powerful movements” in southern Ukraine.
And liberated “dozens of settlements” this week alone.
He has declared the annexation null and void.
The ‘elves’ flag flies again.
Over the village of Davydiv Brid.
Residents filmed ‘elves’ soldiers.
Walking through the village.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
And ‘Gandalf the Green’ later said Ukraine had liberated.
Three more villages in the southern region of Kherson.
That followed a series of gains in Kherson the previous day.
Including the strategically key village of Davydiv Brid.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
‘Elves’ troops have continued to advance.
After breaking through ‘orcs’ defences.
On the west bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson.
They have retaken the village of Dudchany.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
‘Orcs’ forces are likely trying to form.
A new front line after retreating around 20km.
In the north of the Kherson sector.
Earlier October.
Heavy fighting is continuing along this line.
It's likely ‘orcs’ occupation is preparing.
To evacuate some civilians from Kherson.
In anticipation of fighting extending to the city.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
The puppet leader of Ukraine's southern Kherson region.
Urged civilians to “save themselves”.
By going to ‘Mordor’ for “leisure and study”.
And asked for ‘Mordor’’s help.
His call was later backed up by ‘Mordor’.
Ukraine rejects accusations that it targets its own civilians.
Its troops have recently retaken some areas of north-western Kherson.
Closing in on the regional capital, Kherson city.
“The government took the decision to organise.
Assistance for the departure of residents of the Kherson region.
To other regions of the country,” said the man.
Who has special responsibility for southern ‘Mordor’ and Crimea.
The first group of people from Kherson would arrive.
On Friday in ‘Mordor’’s Rostov region, said its governor.
“The Rostov region will accept and accommodate everyone.
Who wants to come to us from the Kherson region.”
‘Elves’ have targeted key ‘orcs’-held military targets.
And threatened to cut off the bulk of the occupying forces.
On the west bank of the Dnipro river.
Tight-lipped about its troop advances in the key region.
On Thursday all of Ukraine was for some time under air raid alert.
Energy and military targets in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro.
Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv are among the places hit.
And ‘Mordor’ launched 83 missiles in total for two days.
Two people were killed in shelling in the southern city of Mykolaiv.
And dramatic footage showed a young boy being rescued.
From the rubble of a destroyed house.
Although he later died, officials said.
That puppet said many towns in the region.
Including the two major cities of Kherson and Nova Kakhovka.
Were now under daily rocket attacks by ‘elves’ troops.
Urging residents across the whole region to evacuate to ‘Mordor’ or Crimea.
How to be a good partisan.
“Be grumpy,” is one suggestion.
A faceless, hooded figure alongside a warning:
“Kherson: The partisans see everything.”
.jpg "Painting by Oleg Shupliak.")
Source: https://www.koryu-meets-chess.info/
Please read the original story:
Kherson: Russia to evacuate civilians from occupied region as Ukraine advances - BBC News
Ukraine war latest: Fresh strikes near Kyiv as Putin meets Turkey's Erdogan - BBC News
Ukraine in maps: Tracking the war with Russia - BBC News
Ukraine regains Kherson villages from Russians - BBC News
Fear and loathing - what is daily life like in occupied Ukraine? - BBC News
Ukraine war latest: Russia says it will retake annexed areas despite retreat - BBC News
Kherson: 'Heavy fighting' as Ukraine seeks to retake Russian-held region - BBC News
Ukraine says it has taken out vital bridge in occupied Kherson - BBC News
Ukraine's shadow army resisting Russian occupation - BBC News
Kherson: Ukraine stepping up counter offensive to retake city - sources - BBC News
Ukraine war: Kyiv's forces moving towards occupied Kherson - Zelensky - BBC News
Ukraine war: Stories of torture emerging out of Kherson - BBC News
Kherson: How is Russia imposing its rule in occupied Ukraine? - BBC News
Ukraine war: Resistance to Russian rouble in Kherson - BBC News
Kherson: Russian-occupied city stays angry and defiant - BBC News
Ukraine updates: Russia using gas and trade as a weapon - Zelensky - BBC News
Read more:
"Aware of a poet?
Aware of a poet?
A poet of Cossack broods over the land.
Not noting a bullet.
Not noting a bullet.
You see a poet of Cossack in Borodyanka."
(Kurama)
.jpg)
Думки українських поетів про рідну країну, їхні відчуття до української землі і нашого народу — все це юні читачі зможуть знайти в представленій добірці віршів про Україну від Ганни Черінь, Юрка Шкрумеляка, Наталки Талиманчук, Іванни Савицької, Уляни Кравченко, Яни Яковенко, Василя Симоненка, Івана Франка, Володимира Сосюри, Катерини Перелісної, Богдана-Ігоря Антонича, Марійки Підгірянки, Миколи Чернявського, Володимира Сіренка, Іванни Блажкевич, Грицька Бойка, Миколи Вінграновського, Платона Воронька, Наталі Забіли, Анатолія Камінчука, Анатолія Качана, Володимира Коломійця, Тамари Коломієць, Ліни Костенко, Андрія Малишка, Андрія М’ястківського, Івана Неходи, Бориса Олійника, Дмитра Павличка, Максима Рильського, Вадима Скомаровського, Сосюра Володимир, Павла Тичини, Петра Осадчука, Варвари Гринько та інших відомих українських поетів.