According to the Mykolaivska Oblast Military Administration, about 12,000 people lived in Snihurivka before the full-scale invasion. After the occupation, only 3,800 people remained in the town, a little more than a third of the population.
Yuliya, a lifetime resident of Snihurivka, is among those who endured the grueling eight-month occupation. The 39-year-old mother of two vividly recalls the harrowing experiences of that period.
“Throughout the occupation, bombardments were incessant,” shares Yuliya. “Initially, we took refuge in the basement for about three months, but eventually, we got used to it. Even the children began to discern the origin and destination of the shells, gradually venturing out from the basement. Our daily routine consisted of waking up early to purchase essentials like milk and bread from the store, always ensuring to return home before the predictable noon shelling.”
On November 10, 2022, Snihurivka was liberated. Yuliya reminisces that it became quieter for some time after de-occupation, although, regrettably, the peace was short-lived and the bombardment of the town resumed.
“A brief respite was followed by a reminder of the war during Easter. Our windows and doors were shattered, yet remarkably, the house withstood the impact of three S-300 missiles, thanks to its sturdy, old construction,” she says.
We have already restored Yuliya’s apartment as part of the project Humanitarian Assistance to Besieged Cities and IDP-Hosting Locations Inside Ukraine. Yulia remarks, “They did an excellent job. We hadn’t dared to hope that anyone would come to replace those windows. Our heartfelt thanks to your foundation for their swift response.”
The project Humanitarian Assistance to Besieged Cities and IDP-Hosting Locations Inside Ukraine was implemented by the Chairty Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” with the support of the humanitarian organization CARE.Ukraine.