Locals kneel, carry soldiers in their arms: Lviv volunteer shares his impressions of liberated Kherson

The volunteer told Espreso.West about his impressions.

Rostyslav Radysh visited liberated Kherson today. He brought humanitarian aid for the people. According to him, it is still quite dangerous in the city, as the Russian forces mined everything after themselves.

“Only yesterday, volunteers blew up a mine,” Rostyslav Radysh said. “There are still many Russians in the city who "got lost" and changed into civilian clothes to escape. That's why you have to be very careful. But people are very happy. They even run under cars, as they want to give something as a gift or just to hug. Someone is kneeling. It feels like the city is celebrating a victory.”

Photo: Rostyslav Radysh

The volunteer admits that it is still difficult to speak after the visits, as the emotions are overflowing

“We went to one store together with the military. People collected money to buy us buns,” Rostyslav laughs. “And then the owner came and gave us energy drinks. Very strong support is felt. They did not expect it and were very surprised.”

Photo: Rostyslav Radysh

Russian forces could catch people on the street, take them to the basement and torture them with electricity

But the worst thing was what the Kherson residents had to experience. They told the volunteers about the horrors of the occupation.

“I talked to people in the city center and in the residential area,” Rostyslav says. “In the center, one man said that the Russians brought explosives to his house. It is still there, so he sought help. And another local said that it was scary to go out  on the street. Because the Russians could grab anyone, take them to the basement and torture them with electricity. And some people did not want to tell us anything at all. They only said that it was very scary. In Kiselivka, people said that the occupiers went from house to house and forced them to give up household items. They also "hunted" for men under the age of 35.”