Destructive Consequences of Russian Aggression

On May 1, Old Saltiv was completely liberated by the Ukrainian army, but half of our community still remained on the left side of the reservoir under the control of the occupiers.

Russian artillery had entrenched itself on the reservoir’s bank, directly opposite Old Saltiv, and for 4 months relentlessly and brutally destroyed the village. Everything we had built and lived for – housing, infrastructure, gardens and fields, cemeteries, the church – there was no place that the Russians did not target. The frontline now ran right through us. But there were more chances to get to the city alive, and people were fleeing in large numbers.

Of the more than 4,000 residents at the time, only about 40 people remained in the village. Most refugees did not travel far – they sought shelter in Kharkiv, hoping to return home as soon as possible. During this time, we focused on helping people who fled under fire, who had left – or in some cases completely lost – all their property. We wrote, asked, searched, found, delivered to Kharkiv, and sent food, hygiene products and diapers, clothing, and blankets to Saltiv residents.

We were not the only ones working. A team of brave Saltiv residents evacuated people from Saltiv and delivered drinking water, food, chargers, and fuel under fire. Other Saltiv residents did not form teams but worked individually for neighbors, relatives, and some joined Kharkiv volunteer teams.

Four months of systematic destruction of the village by the Russians… We withstood. And this is the merit EXCLUSIVELY of ordinary residents. We received no assistance from the authorities at that time. Because there were no authorities.

In September, the Ukrainian army pushed the invaders back to their borders. As soon as the explosions ceased in the village, people began to return en masse to their destroyed homes and try to preserve from rain, wind, and snow what the Russian army had not destroyed.

Now, the focus for volunteers, activists, and our public organization is on restoring the village and helping people here, in Saltiv and other villages of the community. Unfortunately, so far, the talk has been only about repairing buildings that can be fixed. People whose homes and property have been completely destroyed currently have no assistance.

We are seeking help everywhere! New caring individuals and organizations are joining the restoration. But Russia does not calm down, and new cities and villages are being destroyed, people are dying, infrastructure is being destroyed. And they too need help!

We understand this because we are in the same state. So we call on everyone who reads this. Do not be indifferent! Help as you can. None of us expected, invited, or wanted war. So help stop it while it hasn’t gone further and restore our Ukraine, our picturesque Old Saltiv.

And no matter what anyone says,
evil will perish, and truth will triumph!
— Lina Kostenko,
Ukrainian poetess.