Anastasiia Fedchenko, 36, wails in anguish – her agony echoing around the gilded walls of St Michael’s Cathedral in Kyiv. She sits heavily pregnant with her first child, a baby girl, as her husband Andriy Kusmenko, a marine commander killed in action in eastern Ukraine, lies in an open coffin just inches away. His brothers in arms drop red roses into his coffin as Anastasiia gives him one last kiss. This poignant scene embodies the sacrifice and loss experienced in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
Outside the cathedral, Anastasiia pays tribute to her fallen husband, expressing sorrow that their daughter will never meet her father. She fears the lasting impact of the war and questions the possibility of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Many mourners, like Sgt Dmytro, reject the notion of negotiations, believing that the fallen heroes would not want Ukraine’s leadership to compromise.
The war in Ukraine has shifted from talk of victory to facing harsh realities. With Russia controlling a significant portion of Ukrainian territory, the country grapples with empty cities, filled graveyards, and soldiers deserting their posts. The conflict’s toll is evident as soldiers like Serhiy Hnezdilov face charges of desertion, sparking debate about the conditions and terms of military service.
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian troops like Mykhailo continue to bravely combat Russian forces, with soldiers like David joining to defend their homeland. Mykhailo operates drones on the front lines, facing Russian attacks and navigating political uncertainties about the war’s duration and potential outcomes.
As the conflict persists, the courage and dedication of Ukrainian soldiers remain unwavering. Mykhailo and his unit exemplify the resilience and determination of those fighting to defend their country, even as they face obstacles and uncertainties on the front lines. The bravery and sacrifice of individuals like Mykhailo underscore the ongoing struggle and resolve of the Ukrainian people amid the harsh realities of war.
Additional reporting by Wietske Burema, Goktay Koraltan, Anastasiia Levchenko, and Volodymyr Lozhko.