In the ravaged Ukrainian town of Orichiv, where every building bears the scars of relentless Russian bombardment, Ljuba Dernova sweeps the streets. Her simple act of maintaining order amidst the pervasive destruction becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and defiance. The absurdity of sweeping clean a small patch of road in a town pulverized by war is not lost on her, but it provides a sense of purpose and normalcy in a world turned upside down. Ljuba’s meager salary of 2,000 Swedish kronor (equivalent to approximately $200 USD) represents far more than just compensation for her work; it signifies a clinging to the threads of pre-war life, a refusal to surrender to despair despite the overwhelming evidence of devastation.
The extent of destruction in Orichiv is staggering. Not a single structure remains unscathed, a bleak testament to the ferocity of the ongoing conflict. Gliding bombs, rockets, and attack drones have left their mark on every building, reducing homes, shops, cafes, and even churches to rubble. The once vibrant town now resembles a ghost town, populated by the echoes of explosions and the unwavering spirit of those few who remain. Ljuba’s tears flow freely as she describes the absence of birdsong, replaced by the constant din of artillery and bombs. The silence of nature is a poignant reminder of the life that has been lost, the tranquility shattered by unrelenting violence.
Ljuba’s resilience is mirrored in her uncanny ability to decipher the sounds of war. She has become an expert in identifying the distinct noises of drones, gliding bombs, and Grad rockets, a skill honed by countless nights spent listening to the symphony of destruction. She is the sole resident remaining on her street, a testament to her unwavering attachment to her home. Despite the shattered windows of her own house, Ljuba remains, caring for abandoned dogs and cats, including her daughter’s cat, a symbol of hope for the future.
Walking through the ruins of Orichiv with Ljuba is like traversing a graveyard of memories. The destruction is so complete that even the remnants of essential services, like the employment center, are reduced to rubble. Ljuba points to the debris, recalling her visits before the war, juxtaposing the past with the grim present. She retains her job title, speaking of the employment center in the present tense, as if it still functions, a poignant reminder of the life that once was. The irony is stark: in a town devoid of employment opportunities, Ljuba’s job sweeping the debris-strewn streets provides a semblance of purpose and income.
The town’s population has dwindled from 23,000 to a mere 900 souls, highlighting the devastating human cost of the conflict. Vice Mayor Oleksandr Billeris, himself a farmer whose family farm is now under Russian occupation, offers a chilling account of the violence. He recounts a recent triple murder in the occupied village of Nesterianka, where Russian soldiers allegedly raped and murdered a 36-year-old woman after killing her husband and a neighbor who tried to intervene. The story, though unverified, underscores the brutal reality of life under occupation and the vulnerability of civilians caught in the crossfire.
The destruction in Orichiv, according to the Vice Mayor, is not random but a deliberate tactic by the Russian military. By systematically destroying infrastructure and driving out the population, they aim to weaken Ukrainian defenses and facilitate future offensives. The few remaining residents, like the market vendors who fear speaking to journalists lest they attract further attacks, live in constant fear. Marina Savinova, a vendor who commutes daily from Zaporizhzhia to sell goods to soldiers, embodies the resilience of the Ukrainian people. Despite having lost both her home and business to the bombing, she maintains a sense of humor, finding solace in the adrenaline rush of returning to her devastated town. The grim reality of war, the fear of further attacks, and the longing for peace underscore the precarious situation in Orichiv and the enduring strength of its people.
