For eight long months, Kherson, the first major city in Ukraine, was under the occupation of Russian forces. During this time, the residents of this port city located in the south of the country had to endure terror and arbitrariness. Every aspect of their lives was impacted. All access to the city was blocked, and crucial supplies like medicines, food, and cash became scarce. Exit restrictions were imposed, and Ukrainian television was replaced with Russian state channels. Thousands of people fled, and there was practically no news about those who remained. In this documentary presenting eyewitness accounts, the horror of the occupation is brought to life.
The film provides a frightening impression of what everyday life was like under the Russian occupation. The Russian army’s withdrawal on 11 November 2022 may be a glimmer of hope, but the occupation’s horror will be forever etched in the memories of those affected. Watching this documentary leaves a deep sense of unease and raises the question of whether international leaders understand the impact of their political decisions on human lives.