Fear, uncertainty grip Ukraine as Russian threat looms

3 yıl önce

The Wednesday morning train trip from Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, to Kharkiv, its second largest city, was ordinary in every way. There were people heading home, others traveling on business; some nodded off in their seats, some stared at their phones, or at the snow falling outside their window. But just beneath the surface, there was fear and uncertainty.

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Four maps that explain the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Kharkiv sits less than 30 miles from the Russian border and has deep cultural and historical ties with its more powerful neighbor to the north. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said recently the city could be occupied by Russia in the event of an invasion. Separatists backed by Moscow tried to take control of Kharkiv in 2014 after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, but Ukrainian authorities were able to put down the rebellion. Now, residents fear a return of violence and unrest, and are pinning their hopes on a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Failing that, they hope other European nations will open their doors to them.

“If terrible things may happen, I just want the whole world to support us, and to be aware, to accept us if we ask them,” said Alena Krichko, who lives with her two children in Kharkiv. “I think perhaps I should move to Kyiv or move to European countries.”