Some are too terrified to leave, others defiant in the face of relentless shelling. As the front lines draw closer, some Ukrainians still reject evacuation.
Yet for many, the urge to stay is strong, because they are retirees or have incomes so low that they fear they cannot support themselves away from what Kyrylenko called their "comfort zone."
A few harbour pro-Moscow sympathies — either from nostalgia for their Soviet past or from watching Russian state TV.Still, others don't believe their lives will change significantly under a Russian or a Ukrainian flag. "Why should I leave? Where one is born, one must die. This is our land. We are not needed there, from time immemorial. Old people, as far as I know, even ask for their native earth before they die," she says, her voice cracking with emotion.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Floodwaters fail to dampen spirits as 'Gillieston Island' residents make best of bad situation by holding street partyWhen a booming suburb just a few minutes' drive from one of the biggest regional cities in New South Wales was left isolated, instead of panicking its residents threw an impromptu celebration.
Read more »
A moment that changed me: I found my mum unconscious on the bathroom floorAt 19, looking forward to one last summer as a spoiled teenager, I had to cope with my first real trauma – and suddenly take care of my siblings
Read more »
A moment that changed me: I found my mum unconscious on the bathroom floorAt 19, looking forward to one last summer as a spoiled teenager, I had to cope with my first real trauma – and suddenly take care of my siblings
Read more »
What happens to a town when an industry it relies on ends?In WA’s south-west, two towns are moving away from their major industries and while residents of one town see a bright future, the other is in limbo.
Read more »
Houses destroyed, hundreds evacuated as wildfires sweep through PortugalWildfires sweep across central Portugal, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents as firefighters battle to save homes.
Read more »
England v India: first one-day international – live!Over-by-over report: Will England make a fast start to their three-match ODI series against India? Find out with Simon Burnton
Read more »