Deluge From Ruptured Ukrainian Dam Is Latest Tragedy for Kherson Residents Since Russian Invasion
U.S. News & World Report KHERSON, Ukraine (AP) Yurii, a former Ukrainian soldier, knows all too well about living in his rickety attic: It was here, during Russias eight-month occupation of the southern city of Kherson, that he hid to avoid capture by the invaders.
Now, the 51-year-old in fatigues is taking refuge again, after the latest big development in Russias war in Ukraine: A breach of the Kakhovka dam upstream on the Dnieper River that sent floodwaters gushing through his home and rising to the low edge of his corrugated metal roof.
Authorities on both sides of the river Russians control the east bank near the delta, the Ukrainians the west say thousands of people have lost their homes in the torrential flood, where waters were still rising on Wednesday.
Like many other determined and defiant Ukrainians, Yurii has faced disaster after disaster since Russian forces swept into Ukraine over 15 months ago. Like many, his anger has grown over their perceived disregard for peaceful Ukrainians.
They do it without pitying us, he said, clutching one of his three kittens by the scruff of its neck, specifically against peaceful people.
