{"id":13716,"date":"2022-08-02T05:43:12","date_gmt":"2022-08-02T12:43:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/?p=13716"},"modified":"2022-08-15T06:16:34","modified_gmt":"2022-08-15T13:16:34","slug":"messsage-of-the-day-war","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/?p=13716","title":{"rendered":"Messsage of the Day: War"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

Ukraine: Life Under Russia\u2019s Attack<\/em>, Frontline, PBS, August 2, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We return again<\/a> today to the war in Ukraine. The horror of Russia’s ongoing aggression and crimes in Ukraine are focussed on by the pre-eminent documentary journalism broadcast series on PBS, Frontline, in tonight’s program.<\/p>\n

It is, as the Frontline introduction describes it:<\/p>\n

A dramatic and intimate look inside the Russian assault on Kharkiv. FRONTLINE follows displaced families trying to survive underground, civilians caught in the war and first responders risking their lives amid the shelling of Ukraine\u2019s second largest city<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Most of the people who lived in Kharkiv are now refugees who have fled. We met and interviewed some who were in Berlin, a major hub of Ukrainian refugees, when we were there and who appear in our documentary, Berlin Interviews 2022<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Frontline’s program takes you inside the war from the perspective of the people who were remaining in Kharkiv under Russian attack.<\/p>\n

As we have written about numerous times, there is no way to overemphasize the impact of the war in Ukraine on the rest of the world and the critical need to never let it be out of sight or out of mind.<\/p>\n

It was an historic week in many ways in other stories, such as the killing by the US of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, the mastermind of 9\/11, which has impacted world events in some ways as nothing else for two decades and the trip to Taiwan by US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and reaction by China underlining the danger of this becoming the next Ukraine and threat of global war, to name just two.<\/p>\n

However, Frontline is keeping Ukraine front and center tonight for a reason, and so are we. Here is the transcript of the program and link to watching the film:<\/p>\n

“Ukraine: Life Under Russia\u2019s Attack”<\/a><\/p>\n

Frontline, PBS, August 2, 2022<\/p>\n

Transcript<\/p>\n

VIEW FILM<\/a><\/div>\n
\n
\n

This program contains graphic content which may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.<\/em><\/p>\n

MALE NEWSREADER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Breaking news this morning. Explosions were heard\u2014<\/p>\n

MALE NEWSREADER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Russia has the troops to invade with overwhelming force.<\/p>\n

MALE NEWSREADER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s war.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

On Feb. 24, Russia attacked Kharkiv, Ukraine\u2019s second-largest city. Many expected the city to fall in days.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It’s coming! Come on! Downstairs, downstairs! Shush!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

But the Ukrainians refused to surrender.<\/p>\n

SERGIY:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Why should I go somewhere far away? This is my motherland.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Filmed over the first three months of the war, this is the story of the battle for Kharkiv, told by the people who lived through it. The displaced families.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Being in the metro is safer than staying at home.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The civilians caught in the fight.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Let’s go! Let’s go! One, two, lift! Grab that side!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

And the first responders risking their lives to protect them.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] “Save Dad,” they said. Easier said than done.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have rescued four people. Putin said, “A special military operation.” How many people died already? You can call it any way you want. But still, it’s a war.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kharkiv is just 25 miles from the Russian border. Most people here speak Russian as a first language. Known as a city of poetry and arts, it was one of the first places to come under attack from Russian forces.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] You\u2019re a good girl now, behaving yourself. Doing your homework, trying hard.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I hate English.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Study.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I hate English.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Study. Do it.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I hate English.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is Roman and his 7-year-old daughter, Violetta.<\/p>\n

FEMALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Two units, urgent call! 19 Yurieva Blvd. Fire in an apartment!<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Are you leaving?<\/p>\n

MALE FIREMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Roman, we\u2019re getting ready!<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] My helmet. I forgot my helmet!<\/p>\n

[Speaking English] OK. Let\u2019s go!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Roman is second in command at Kharkiv\u2019s central fire station.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

We\u2019re waiting until the shelling is over. It\u2019s still shelling where we’re going right now. In five minutes we will go.<\/p>\n

FEMALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Quick, quick!<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

First day of the war, 5 a.m. I wake up and see there’s shelling. Boom, boom, boom. I say, “Oh, s—! Oh, s—!” I hear my wife saying, “Probably the war has started.”<\/p>\n

What the f—! I mean, really? Really? F— Putin. F—— why? Why?<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s March 17, three weeks since the invasion began. Russia has just hit Kharkiv\u2019s famous indoor market, known as Barabashova. Before the war, Barabashova was one of Europe\u2019s largest markets and was at the center of daily life for many in the city. Fire crews from all over rush to the scene. Roman is among them.<\/p>\n

MALE FIREMAN 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Drop it here!<\/p>\n

MALE FIREMAN 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Give me one more man!<\/p>\n

MALE FIREMAN 3:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I have two men: Kostenko and Rudenko. You can take Rudenko.<\/p>\n

MALE FIREMAN 4:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Do it!<\/p>\n

Roman’s helmet camera<\/strong><\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

You just see this fire just blowing. You are going to f—— hell. It\u2019s scary.<\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] We\u2019ll get! We\u2019ll get it! We\u2019ll put it out a bit along the way. Arsen! Bring the ladder over here as well!<\/p>\n

MALE FIREMAN 5:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Get the f—— water here!<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] On the left! On the left! Do that f—— bit!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Roman and the crews battle the fire through the night, the market is hit again.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

One guy had been hit in the chest and died in the fire truck while the guys from his fire station tried to take him to the hospital.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The market fire would be one of many they would fight over the weeks of the invasion.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

We just try not to think about it. Life is life. Death is death. My wife doesn’t like when I\u2019m going. When we coming back from the fires, she always cries. But she’s already used to it, also.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] My head is spinning. I can\u2019t do any more.<\/p>\n

MARINA: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Go! The boys need to sleep. Don’t disturb them.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Bye, Mommy.<\/p>\n

MARINA: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Listen, don\u2019t go outside!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Roman and his wife, Marina, have moved from their apartment to the fire station due to the near-constant shelling. The station may be safer, but they need to pack up and bring a lot there to make it suitable for family life.<\/p>\n

MARINA: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Take this. Wrap it up or you’ll break it. Stop!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The neighborhood of Saltivka is on the northeast side of Kharkiv. It faces the Russian lines and has been bearing the brunt of the attack. At least 400,000 people used to live here. Most of them have fled.<\/p>\n

But some have refused to leave. Sergiy is one of them.<\/p>\n

SERGIY:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] This was my favorite mug. I was standing here, near the table. I was making lunch. Then a shell hit the apartment. There was a flash and, you know. I wanted to hide, but my arm was exposed, and the force of the blast threw me to the ground. So I was just lying in the rubble, and then someone found me. Dragged me out by the collar. I looked down, my arm was missing. I was in shock. My finger was also missing. Can\u2019t find words.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergiy and others who have remained are sheltering in the basement of this school. The poorest and weakest and those without cars are stranded here.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] How are things? Tell me.<\/p>\n

PARROT:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Good.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Good. Say it again: Good. How are things?<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

For Sergiy, this is home now.<\/p>\n

FEMALE NEWSREADER [on radio]:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] There is information that the occupiers are conducting a census of the male population to make them fight on the occupier’s side.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many of the people here have family across the border in Russia.<\/p>\n

ELDERLY MAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] We haven\u2019t done anything bad to anyone. Why did they invade us? I don\u2019t understand. I’m also Russian. There are lots of Russians here in Kharkiv. Why are Russians killing Russians?<\/p>\n

FEMALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It\u2019s just an excuse. Don\u2019t you understand? I\u2019m Ukrainian. It\u2019s an excuse. Don\u2019t you know what Putin is like? He\u2019s a scumbag.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The area\u2019s paramedics have also remained in Saltivka.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC: <\/strong><\/p>\n

Because this area has a lot of shelling, we\u2019ve agreed on the procedure that when there is no shelling you wait in a safe place and report in. If there are no more calls, go back to the substation.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Tatjana, there is some coffee here.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Found it?<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Here it is.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Irina has been on the job for seven years, her colleague Tatjana for 27.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some of them are very strong. Very strong. Tatjana, for example. Whoa! She is very strong.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today both women are preparing for a 24-hour shift.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Where to go? Abroad? Who needs us there? Nobody needs us there. We are only needed here. Who is going to help all those grandmas who\u2019ve been abandoned by their relatives?<\/p>\n

Only a fool is not afraid. Everyone gets afraid. Fear is normal.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tatjana and a colleague are called out to an address in Saltivka. An entire apartment has just been destroyed by Russian shelling.<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Go, Go!<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Keep up! Oh, s—!<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] On the left side, right hand, left leg. There is no bleeding. We put on a tourniquet. We put it on a minute ago. Right side of the chest. It happened six minutes ago, maybe 10.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] This is my father! Please take him to the hospital. [Cries]<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC 1: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Please step back.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] To tell you the truth, it\u2019s\u2014oh, f—.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Careful! Watch the falling debris!<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Oh, s—.<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] The wound on his leg.<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Are there any men here who can help?<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes, yes, here!<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Let\u2019s go. Let’s go! One two, lift!<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Grab that side! Let\u2019s get him downstairs!<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Someone else, help!<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] F—! Let\u2019s move faster! F—— hell! Take him out quicker! You’re gonna f—— drop him! Take that handle.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I\u2019ve got it. Let\u2019s go! Faster!<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Come on boys, run! Every second counts! It doesn’t look good.<\/p>\n

We need to get to the hospital. But we probably won\u2019t make it.<\/p>\n

MALE AMBULANCE DRIVER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I\u2019m saying that I can drive or stop.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Stop somewhere. I’ll try one more vein. This vein is weak.<\/p>\n

MALE AMBULANCE DRIVER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] OK, OK. OK, I\u2019m stopping.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Andryusha, just wait two seconds. Get the drip ready. Come on, old man! Why does this f—— s— always happen? Get the drip ready, darling. Get it ready. Stick it in there, put the tape on. Stick it on. OK, I got it. “Save Dad,” they said. Easier said than done.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Was it you who went to this block?<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes, the fifth floor was destroyed and the windows shattered everywhere. It was s—, a missile.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I know.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] We took the old man to the hospital, but he died later.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Oh, he died?<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Roman is also dealing with a death.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The hardest moment was to lose your brother. You know, your fire brother. It was the hardest.<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] He was one of the best. He was capable of so much. What is happening now does not spare anyone.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

It’s the funeral of the firefighter who died at the huge market fire.<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Today we are saying goodbye to our comrade, our brother. He died tragically in this war that nobody wanted.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was scary for everybody. It\u2019s not like, OK, I’m ready to die and I\u2019m not afraid. All of us afraid.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A month into the onslaught, parts of Kharkiv have been reduced to rubble.<\/p>\n

Kharkiv used to have a population of 1.4 million. By late March, it\u2019s down to about half of that. As many as 1,500 buildings have been destroyed, and streets are deserted. For thousands of people still in the city, life has moved underground.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Singing in Russian] The gypsies, the gypsies were on their way, from the fair. And they stopped under a big apple tree.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is the Heroes of Labor metro station. Day after day, for weeks, it has been home to hundreds of people. The trains have stopped running and it has become a makeshift bomb shelter.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Singing in Russian] He lost his street. He lost his home. He lost his girl. He lost his blue handkerchief.<\/p>\n

FEMALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Keep it down!<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] They are shelling like crazy outside.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Last night they were shelling as well.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Despite the shelling, some aid has been arriving.<\/p>\n

FEMALE VOLUNTEER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Dima, should I start?<\/p>\n

DIMA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Local volunteer groups have been providing two basic meals a day.<\/p>\n

DIMA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Stand in line! One at a time! Stand further back! That’s all!<\/p>\n

WOMAN\u2019S VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I was told to stand here.<\/p>\n

DIMA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I’m not talking to you, someone else is getting nervous over there.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many people are trying to maintain normal routines. Before the war, 10-year-old Vika took ballroom dancing classes.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] That’s me at the dances.<\/p>\n

VIKA’S MOM:<\/strong><\/p>\n

That’s her ballroom dancing. [Laughs] What a beauty. She got medals. Our little Vika.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] At 3 o\u2019clock we heard explosions. We knew that was not thunder and lightning. There was firing. We got into the car, but then the whole car jumped. My mother was panicking because it was scary. The planes were flying above. We were afraid. We were shaking. We understand that there is a war, but we don\u2019t understand why it has started.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vika is here with her mom, grandmother and little brother Misha. She\u2019s trying to keep up with her school work.<\/p>\n

VIKA’S MOM:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Vika, a new line.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I’m only little!<\/p>\n

VIKA’S MOM:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] “Happy,” continue on the next line.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Is that a Russian word?<\/p>\n

VIKA’S MOM:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] That\u2019s Ukrainian.<\/p>\n

FEMALE VOICE [on loudspeaker]:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Attention! All children under 16, please come to the ticket hall. We will be handing out presents. Attention! All children under 16, please come to the ticket hall. We will be handing out presents.<\/p>\n

MALE VOLUNTEER: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Most important of all, who has been well-behaved?<\/p>\n

CROWD OF KIDS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Me! Me!<\/p>\n

MALE VOLUNTEER: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Ladies always go first! You, girl.<\/p>\n

YOUNG BOY:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] But she was naughty.<\/p>\n

MALE VOLUNTEER: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Look at this Batman costume I brought.<\/p>\n

CROWD OF KIDS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Me! Me!<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I\u2019m 86 years old. I am an actor. A theatre actor. If I go home now, I get anxious. Missiles are flying, it\u2019s scary. I don\u2019t have a wife. I\u2019m on my own now. I have nobody. My daughter has left for Lviv. That’s all.<\/p>\n

How is it possible to kill another human being? I think it\u2019s all stupid and unnecessary.<\/p>\n

YOUNG GIRL:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] What did you get?<\/p>\n

YOUNG BOY:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It’s mine!<\/p>\n

MISHA: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Like this?<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Mom!<\/p>\n

MISHA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Wow.<\/p>\n

VIKA’S GRANDMOTHER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] All done. Go off and do some good deeds!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Above ground, the people of Kharkiv routinely wake to new ruins from shelling in the night.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yesterday at 9 p.m. there was a bang and we ran into the bathroom. That’s what saved us.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Roman is out helping to search for survivors.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Galya!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Desperate relatives are doing the same.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I can\u2019t get through to them.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] They might have escaped.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I can\u2019t breathe. Galya! There is no answer.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

I need to check another place.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] They should\u2014they should check our basement as well. She might have gone to someone else’s place.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I don’t know where to go.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] If they are buried here, they would be in that room.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Is anyone there? Anyone alive?<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Bastards. [Cries]<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

With much of the city in ruins, many remain missing. The authorities don\u2019t know if people have left or lie dead beneath the rubble.<\/p>\n

In the Saltivka neighborhood, Sergiy has been adjusting to his changed life. In the shelter, they go outside for air during pauses in the bombing.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] What was that sound? Let’s go. This rumbling is strange.<\/p>\n

FEMALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes, we need to leave.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It’s some sort of fighting. First there is a long sound, and then as if something is falling down.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among the neighbors, the topic of discussion is whether they should stay or try to escape with volunteers who are organizing groups to leave the city.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Let\u2019s wait two days.<\/p>\n

MALE VOLUNTEER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Here? I wouldn\u2019t advise that.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes, I\u2019ll come in two days. You get it organized first. I\u2019ll wait here with the dog.<\/p>\n

FEMALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It\u2019s coming! It\u2019s coming!<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE 1:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Come on, come on, downstairs, downstairs! Don’t run! Don’t panic! Go, go, go! Who is still out there? Close the door!<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Heavy shooting, just wait for a bit, it’s very heavy.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Everyone\u2019s alive, everyone\u2019s well.<\/p>\n

FEMALE SPEAKER 3:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I\u2019m scared to stay here.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER 2:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I understand.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER 3:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] We have everything ready.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] And what about if you\u2019re driving and rockets are flying above your head?<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER 3:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] As if they’re not going to fly tomorrow? They\u2019re going to fly even more.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Are you going to draw?<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the start of the war, Irina chose to stay in Saltivka with her son and brother. But by early April, she\u2019s desperate to get out.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I just want things to be calm. Before the war my child was calm and everything was good. But the war traumatized him. He can’t tolerate hearing explosions all the time.<\/p>\n

MALE VOLUNTEER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] You wait here. We\u2019ll get two cars and start evacuating.<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] We are going.<\/p>\n

IRINA’S SON:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] The cars are here.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] No, that’s not ours. Down! Go down! It’s coming this way!<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Go, go, go!<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

This movie is about the Second World War. They’re from different parts, from different countries, but they\u2019re speaking one language. There was one nation. [Speaking Russian] And now what is happening in our country. The Russians are against us.<\/p>\n

MALE FIREFIGHTER: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Our grandfathers would be ashamed.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Translating] He feels sorry for his grandfathers, for grandparents. Because our grandparents, they was working and fighting together in front of Germany. His grandpa had been fighting against Nazis. And now we are their grandsons, we are their sons, fighting between each other.<\/p>\n

I know that the name of the vodka\u2014what is the name? Do you know this? It means “air.” Literally, it says “air.” Cheers! For the peace! For the peace, for the peace.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since the shelling began, Kharkiv has been under a strict curfew. Underneath the city, thousands of people turn in each night. It\u2019s bitterly cold.<\/p>\n

MISHA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] They are snoring. The Snorey Snore! Off to sleep.<\/p>\n

“Russian ship, go f— yourself”<\/strong><\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

As they sleep below, above, the battle is intensifying.<\/p>\n

MALE NEWSREADER [on radio]:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Kharkiv residential areas are under bombardment. The citizens are advised to stay away from the streets even if there\u2019s no air raid siren.<\/p>\n

ELDERLY WOMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] These are to help me sleep.<\/p>\n

MALE NEWSREADER [on radio]:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Specifically, around 1:30 p.m. north Saltivka was shelled. The Department of Civil Defense asks citizens to stay in shelters during the day and not to go outside.<\/p>\n

MALE VOICE [on radio]:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] We received up-to-date information from the State Emergency Service. Over the last 24 hours they answered 79 calls.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Irina has been working for 39 hours straight.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Where is the house?<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The city is under a total blackout. By April, over a third of Irina\u2019s colleagues have left.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Oh, shoot! There is fire.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Oh, s—.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Hush now.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] There is something moving there.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] That’s not our call. We need to go further.<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] That one.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] That one?<\/p>\n

MALE PARAMEDIC:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes.<\/p>\n

VOICE FROM GPS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] You have reached your destination.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Please move out of the way. Give us some space.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

This couple\u2019s home was hit by Russian shelling.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] You put a belt on your arm? Why did you put this tourniquet here? Is there a wound?<\/p>\n

ELDERLY MAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] The blood was gushing out.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] From your arm or higher up?<\/p>\n

ELDERLY MAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] My side. I can\u2019t breathe.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I\u2019ll take you to hospital.<\/p>\n

ELDERLY MAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It\u2019s too late. Lock up the apartment.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The couple survived, but many others have not. Hundreds of civilians have been killed or injured since the invasion began.<\/p>\n

FEMALE CALL DISPATCHER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Emergency Service, Yarushevka Street. It’s Arsen calling. Are there any victims? OK. Duty Unit is calling. OK, got it.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

By late April, the city has endured two months of shelling, with estimates of more than a hundred schools and over 2,000 homes damaged or destroyed.<\/p>\n

MARINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] She said, “My grandpa lives in Horlivka.” And it\u2019s been well known for eight years who\u2019s been shooting at whom.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Violetta! What\u2019s happening? Don\u2019t go out there anymore.<\/p>\n

Put the helmet on.<\/p>\n

[Speaking English] Me and Violetta, we are very close. We are like on one wave, you know? We are good. And she knows Daddy is the best.<\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Oh, this is dangerous, he needs to cross the street. “Oh, danger, danger,\u201d it says. Danger!<\/p>\n

[Speaking English] I realize it could happen, you know. For my wife it\u2019s very hard. Everything is hard. I just really worry about them. I don’t know what will happen here.<\/p>\n

MALE VOLUNTEER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Don\u2019t rush, don\u2019t rush.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

After weeks living under the school in Saltivka, Irina and her family are finally leaving.<\/p>\n

IRINA’S SON:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Mommy, are we going? Are we going now?<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A volunteer organization is helping them.<\/p>\n

IRINA<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] At the moment there is anxiety because we’ll be going on a journey. There is a little\u2014I’ve been thinking about it for two days. The main thing is that we make it there, that everything goes well on the road.<\/p>\n

ELDERLY WOMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It’s just there?<\/p>\n

MALE VOLUNTEER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes, a nice blue car will pick you up.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] We\u2019ll take the cat in the car with us because she cries.<\/p>\n

I spent my entire childhood here. My parents’ childhood was here, too. I don’t want to. But the circumstances demand that I do it.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s early May. The city of Kharkiv is pushing the Russian troops farther away for the time being. Burned Russian tanks and dead soldiers are scattered in the fields outside the city.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Singing in Russian] Set me free if you don\u2019t need me anymore. Set me free if you don\u2019t need me anymore.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spring has arrived, and people have begun tentatively emerging after more than two months underground.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Singing in Russian] We drank wild honey together. I thought the world of you. Why, then, did the cold ice in your heart not melt?<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The battle for Kharkiv may be subsiding for the moment, but the war for Ukraine rages on.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Mommy. I picked some flowers. See over there, there are plenty of them.<\/p>\n

VIKA’S MOM:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] No, don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I wanted to go further.<\/p>\n

VIKA’S MOM:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It\u2019s frightening.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It\u2019s not frightening.<\/p>\n

VIKA’S MOM:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Mommy is frightened.<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Vika is not frightened. Let me go.<\/p>\n

VIKA’S MOM:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] No! [Laughs]<\/p>\n

VIKA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Before, I used to be afraid of spiders. I\u2019m not afraid of spiders anymore. I want to stay in Ukraine. I don\u2019t want to go to any other country.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

As for Sergiy, he’s on his way to see his neighbor and friend.<\/p>\n

SERGIY: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I stole these from the school. [Laughter] I stole these from the school.<\/p>\n

Is it healing? No?<\/p>\n

FEMALE NURSE:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It\u2019s getting better. [Laughter] The war goes on. [Speaking English] It\u2019s fine.<\/p>\n

SERGIY:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Why should I leave if this is my home? Shall I go and lie in a ditch? If it’s meant to be, so be it. We’ll go on living here. This is my motherland.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Sorry, I need to brush my hair.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vitali has gone back to see his apartment.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Here, I have a book called “Cure Yourself.” I live by this principle. Cure yourself by willpower and self-persuasion. If something is troubling me I always say to myself, \u201cNothing is threatening me, I am totally safe, I am calm.\u201d Good words!<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

He lays out pictures from family albums.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Look, here I am when I was serving in the army as a tank crew member. Oh, and here are my two grandsons, Ruslan and Maxim. Maxim now lives in Israel.<\/p>\n

What beautiful clouds. Good Lord! Everything is good, but they are banging and shooting.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

With artillery going off in the background, Vitali sings along with the television.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Singing in Russian] Heart, you don’t want peace. Heart, how good it is to live in the world.<\/p>\n

IRINA’S SON:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] It’s a long way to Kharkiv.<\/p>\n

IRINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] A long way.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Irina and her son have found some peace. They\u2019ve moved into a school building in the Ukrainian countryside, away from the front lines of the war.<\/p>\n

IRINA’S SON:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Next stop is Kharkiv. Are you waiting for this train?<\/p>\n

IRINA: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] No, I’m waiting for it to pass.<\/p>\n

At the moment, we are living in a very quiet place, surrounded by nature. It’s very nice here, very calm. There\u2019s no shooting, no bombing.<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

But she misses Kharkiv.<\/p>\n

IRINA: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I really want to return. I hope it will all end soon. We will rebuild and everything will be good again. Things will be back to normal.<\/p>\n

IRINA’S SON: <\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Mom! Mom! Mom! When will those devils, the Russians, die? When? When?<\/p>\n

IRINIA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Soon.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] What does peace look like for me? It\u2019s to wake up peacefully. To go to bed peacefully. Come home from work, no rush, take a shower. It’s to visit friends. To take the metro to the park.<\/p>\n

IRINIA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I’m so tired, totally pooped.<\/p>\n

TATJANA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I think the war has brought us together, to tell you the truth. People who couldn\u2019t stand each other are now united because of this disaster. We started to help each other. We were united by this tragedy.<\/p>\n

Time to go home.<\/p>\n

We became like an anthill: If you touch it, you\u2019ll be eaten.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hello, everyone! Hello, lovely people! Today the Jamie Oliver is cooking for you a plov!<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Where is that wanker from?<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Jamie Oliver? From Britain<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] He\u2019s a chef, right?<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Yes.<\/p>\n

MALE SPEAKER:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Do you watch him on YouTube?<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I used to but stopped once I learned some things.<\/p>\n

[Speaking English] The most awesome moment is when you thought you’d be dead, but you\u2019re alive. That\u2019s wonderful.<\/p>\n

I really care about my family. I really care about my daughter. I just wanted them to have a normal life. It could be\u2014[Explosions] It\u2019s probably our troops. So everything is fine. [Laughter]<\/p>\n

NARRATOR:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Roman, like so many still in Kharkiv, is trying to make the most of an uncertain future and the ever-present threat of the war.<\/p>\n

MARINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Good night. Let me cover her.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I\u2019ll cover her later.<\/p>\n

MARINA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] If Mother says cover her, then cover her. That’s it, close your eyes. Good night.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] What lullaby do you remember?<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] I know only horror stories.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Singing in Russian] Sleep, my bunny, sleep. And don\u2019t be naughty.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Daddy, tell me a fairy tale. All scary fairy tales end well. Daddy, tell me something that starts scary but ends well. Please, tell me.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Please stay still and sleep, please.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Daddy, I am staying still!<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] Let\u2019s count a minute if one of us can stay still and sleep.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] No, Daddy, stop. Let\u2019s play the quiet game.<\/p>\n

ROMAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] What about the game “Who can pretend to sleep best?” What are you doing? Calm down.<\/p>\n

VIOLETTA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Speaking Russian] No, no, I won\u2019t sleep without you. We\u2019ll sleep till morning. Together.<\/p>\n

VITALI:<\/strong><\/p>\n

[Singing in Russian] We looked into each other\u2019s eyes: the clocks stopped. Madness was transformed into tenderness. With every breath it drew us closer together. That love\u2019s indescribable tenderness. There\u2019s nothing permanent in the world. But my love is eternal. A bird flies into those memories, into the eternal love. The bird greets those years for the first time and the last time.<\/p>\n

Russia continues the intermittent bombing of Kharkiv.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Roman\u2019s family fled to Germany.<\/strong><\/p>\n

He\u2019s still on duty in Kharkiv, as are Irina and Tatjana.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sergiy and Vitali are both living in apartments above ground.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After five months of living in the metro station, Vika and her family are planning to flee to Finland.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ukraine: Life Under Russia\u2019s Attack, Frontline, PBS, August 2, 2022   We return again today to the war in Ukraine. The horror of Russia’s ongoing aggression and crimes in Ukraine are focussed on by the pre-eminent documentary journalism broadcast series on PBS, Frontline, in tonight’s program. It is, as the Frontline introduction describes it: A […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1001004,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13716"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1001004"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13716"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13758,"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13716\/revisions\/13758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldcampaign.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}