Kherson, Ukraine
Reuters
Hundreds of Kherson residents flocked on Sunday to buy groceries at the first Ukrainian supermarket to open since the city was retaken by pro-Kyiv forces earlier this month.
During the almost nine months of occupation, the Russian-installed government had brought in Russian-sourced products and introduced the ruble as currency.
People shop at an ATB store which was the first reopened Ukrainian supermarket after Russia’s military retreat from Kherson, Ukraine, on 20th November. PICTURE: Reuters/Murad Sezer
“Out of principle, I didn’t carry any rubles and never bought Russian goods,” 49-year-old Nataliia Tsvihun said while standing in line outside the ATB store. “I want to buy something tasty.”
Kherson remains without electricity, running water or heating, but residents found some relief in being able to purchase Ukrainian pickled gherkins, dumplings, horseradish and other favourites.
Artem Moiseienko, 27, was relieved to see sugar-free Coca Cola back on the shelves, which he said had been unavailable during the occupation.
“This is what I missed the most,” he said.
On Saturday, jubilant Ukrainians rolled into Kherson by train for the first time in more than eight months as residents of the newly liberated southern city greeted them on the platform with flowers and national flags.
“I can’t even put my feelings into words,” said Hryhorii Vyrtosa, a 67-year-old construction worker, shortly after stepping off the overnight route from the capital, Kyiv.
Saturday’s journey marked the first time Vyrtosa, a native of Kherson region with Moldovan roots, was able to return after escaping the Russian-occupied city of Skadovsk in April.
Upon arriving, a beaming Vyrtosa fulfilled his pledge to shout “Glory to Ukraine” upon arrival. He then tightly hugged his son, who he had not seen in eight months.
Hundreds of residents of the city, which is currently without electricity, running water or central heating, cheered as they welcomed the train.
“It’s a symbol of freedom. It’s happiness,” said Maria Matsenko, 66, who was holding a Ukrainian flag while waiting on the platform with her friend.
Anastasia kisses her mother Oksana as she arrives from Kyiv to Kherson with the first train after Russia’s military retreat, at the main train station in Kherson, Ukraine, on 19th November. PICTURE: Reuters/Murad Sezer
The train, which was brightly painted by various Ukrainian artists and featured slogans such as “People of Steel”, departed Kyiv late on Friday following a celebratory event at the main railway station.
The event included a performance by Ukrainian rock singer Oleh Skrypka, with passengers in the crowd, including Ukrainian soldiers, singing along.
Tickets to Kherson first went on sale weeks before its liberation as part of a “Train to Victory” initiative between Ukrainian Railways and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s United24 fundraising initiative.
The south-eastern city of Mariupol, which was heavily damaged earlier this year and is still occupied by Russian forces, is among the other destinations.
