Three months have passed since AFP journalists discovered 20 dead civilian bodies on April 2, the first signs of atrocities and destruction committed during the Russian occupation in the northwestern suburbs of Kew: Boutcha, Irpin, Borodyanka.
In early July, the scars of the fighting were still visible everywhere: broken windows, bullet holes, perforated walls. On Vokzalnaïa avenue connecting Boutcha with Irvine, destroyed or severely damaged buildings follow one another, houses, apartment buildings, shops, shopping center.
However, reconstruction does not seem to be the main concern of the residents for now. Even though many of them who had fled the Russian occupation had already been back for several weeks. The fear of a new Russian offensive in the region is on everyone’s mind.
In recent days, rumors of an imminent attack from Belarus – whose border is only a hundred kilometers to the north – have multiplied. Spurred by statements from Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin’s top ally, he accused Ukrainians of firing missiles at his country on Saturday and threatened to retaliate.
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