Report
Ukraine: In Kharkiv, residents survive thanks to humanitarian aid
Audio 01:25
Vera Kosolopenko, reacts in front of her destroyed house after being hit by a Russian shelling, part of the Russian attack on Ukraine, in the village of Bezruky, Derhachi district, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, May 14, 2022. REUTERS - RICARDO MORAES
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
Since the start of the war, a third of the population has left Kharkiv, said the mayor of the city a few weeks ago.
Residents who remain are largely dependent on humanitarian aid.
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With our special correspondents in Kharkiv,
Murielle Paradon and Sami Boukhelifa
They are more than a hundred, gathered at the foot of a food distribution center.
After a morning of waiting, Anne, 73, finally receives her food package.
“
There are four cans of canned stew, two cans of condensed milk, a kilo of sugar, a kilo of rice, a kilo of vermicelli, a packet of wheat groats and tea.
»
A volunteer draws a cross on the back of her hand: this is proof that she has received her food package.
Very dignified, Anne says she is embarrassed by this situation.
“
I have worked all my life.
I must have worked for 50 years.
I have a pension.
I am here because everything has been destroyed in my neighborhood.
There are no more shops and no more pharmacies.
»
Staying in Kharkiv, despite the risks
In the distance, bombs sound.
But after almost three months of war, no one reacts.
In the crowd, mostly old people.
Like Valentina,
everyone here has chosen to stay in Kharkiv despite the risks
.
“
At home, we say: if it is written that I am drowning, I will not die by fire.
In addition, to leave, you need money to find refuge in Europe.
So it's better to stay at home.
»
With her husband, the old lady packs her five food parcels to be able to transport them more easily.
She received one for each member of her family.
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