Nicholas Tonev
modified to
8:44 a.m., June 21, 2022
Fighting continues in Donbass. Russia intensifies its bombings in eastern Ukraine. Six kilometers from the front line, the small village of Rlomovétrois is facing a water shortage and a power cut. The hundred inhabitants, who live to the rhythm of the sounds of the bombardments, impatiently await the arrival of tanker trucks. The special envoy of Europe 1 went there.
The campaign, the innocence, the war. In the village of Rlomovétrois, six kilometers from the front line, life is made to the rhythm of the Russian bombardments on Ukraine. Liubov is 70 years old and has always worked as a peasant. For three months, she has been an expert in shooting. “The worst are the arrivals, it’s booming. And the damage we incur, like the Katyushas. Ah, there you go! Don’t be afraid. After the shots, it’s the Smertch, but nothing serious . It’s not for us, it’s not dangerous for us. It’s dangerous for them there, the Russians.”
While another melody of artillery is heard, it is the daily that imposes itself. A daily life that has become difficult, because certain foodstuffs have become rare. “The water truck!” exclaims Liubov. “For a week, the water has been cut off and there is no power.”
Some residents forgo water supplies
The tanker passes and you must not miss it. A liter of water costs 1.50 hryvnia, or about 0.03 euros. A costly sum for the peasants, so a man from the village discreetly waives it. “Come on girls, do it faster,” says the saleswoman, who does not want to linger. If she wants to help the people of Rlomovétrois, she also wants to get away from it.
Only the incredible Liubov benefits from his place in the front row. “Do you see them fly away? Because I don’t see well.”