Inside Sudzha: Ukrainian-controlled Russian town - Espreso photo report

An Espreso crew managed to visit the Russian town of Sudzha, which is now fully controlled by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. There are no utilities in the town: gas, electricity, communication, and water are all unavailable.

The local population remains in the town, and residents are free to move around. However, it is difficult to determine their exact or even approximate numbers, as many are hiding in shelters and houses.

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

There were almost no street battles in Sudzha, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces faced little resistance from Russia troops.

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

In the center of Sudzha, the Lenin monument mysteriously disappears and reappears on its pedestal. To ensure that Lenin remains until a proper decommunization, a few Ukrainian soldiers are guarding the statue.

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

The Espreso crew met a local man, Valeriy, on his way to the local Pyaterochka supermarket. He reminisced with regret about his time spent above the Arctic Circle, wishing he were there now.

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

Some items in the store have already spoiled, and locals have just begun to gather what they can to stock up on supplies.

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

The Espreso crew observed what Russian civilians were stocking up on in the store. 

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

Instead of canned food and water, Valeriy's focus is on tea, alcohol, snacks for vodka, soda, and cookies.

The local people behave politely and don’t have complaints about the Ukrainian army. After their passports and cell phones are checked, they’re free to go about their daily lives.

In Sudzha, residents get around on foot or by bicycle because there’s no gasoline for their cars.

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

The Espreso crew spoke with Oleg in the central square. He denied there was any organized evacuation from the city and criticized the authorities for not giving any warning or preparing for defense.

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

However, the Espreso crew noticed that the city administration was already fortified with barricades, suggesting the authorities knew about the attack in advance.

Workers' belongings are stored in garages behind the Sudzha administration building. One of these garages features a "patriot's corner," decorated with a tricolor flag with St. George’s ribbons, a United Russia flag (Putin's party), and posters of naked women. 

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

Such propaganda is scattered throughout the administration area:

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

Corpses are found lying around in various parts of Sudzha, much like the abandoned vehicles on the roads - no one is cleaning up. 

A dead body was found lying under the barricaded door of the city administration.

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko

 

Today, Suzhha is being shelled by Russian aircraft and ballistic missiles. During the Espreso crew visit, Russian UAVs were flying overhead. 

The three specks visible in the sky are not clouds but traces of explosions:

Photo: Espreso/Artem Lahutenko