“My home is gone. A russian glide bomb (locally known as KAB) hit it recently. Neighbors who haven’t left yet sent photos and videos. There is no roof, no windows, the door was blown out, everything inside collapsed. It is impossible to watch. I cried terribly,” says Halyna Keda, beginning her story of displacement.
“Shaheds are not scary. KABs are scary. A whistle, three seconds, and then the explosion,” adds Halyna’s son, Serhiy.
The pensioner and her family fled their native village of Trudove, near Zaporizhzhia, in January this year. As a refuge, they chose a small community in the Kirovohrad region of central Ukraine.
“We made our own way there. We hired a car, paid 22,000 hryvnias (about $520), and that is how we reached Osytniazhka, a village in the Kirovohrad region. We packed up everything that could be useful. Out of everything, we grabbed just a few photographs. But the children’s photo albums remained under the rubble. My late husband loved taking pictures so much,” Halyna Ivanivna continues.
She says she loved her village more than anything, describing it as beautiful, scenic, and welcoming.
“Trudove is located near the former district center. Good roads, everything was well-maintained. It used to be. People were kind,” the pensioner recalls.
She adds that the conditions at their new home are completely different. Yet, despite having no gas and no centralized water supply, she still thanks God that no explosions can be heard overhead. The family is gradually adapting to their new life. In the spring, they set up a small garden.
“I am used to working the land, so we have a few small patches here too — we planted just a couple of hundred square meters. Onions, zucchini, potatoes, and I bought tomato seedlings,” the woman shares.
She speaks of her peaceful past life with warmth. Her most poignant memories are of the holidays when the whole family gathered together.
“I loved those moments very much. I especially remember our wedding anniversary when the family gathered: my sister, my mother was still alive. My son received his diploma at that time — we set such a table! Roasted duck and a bunch of other things. Now all that is left is to dream. That’s all gone now,” Halyna Ivanivna continues.
“You know what I will say? While you are young, live! Despite everything and against all odds. Because life passes so quickly — you don’t even have time to look back. Gather with your relatives, friends, celebrate, rejoice!”.
The pensioner’s biggest dream is to return home.
“Whomever of the neighbors we talk to, we just cry. We say we must go back. And even if there is nothing left. At least it is our own yard, our homeland,” Halyna says through tears.
