Yuliia Siedaia ist promovierte Soziologin (PhD) und verfügt über langjährige Erfahrung in Gender-Studies, in der Beratung von öffentlichen Verwaltungen in der Region Charkiv, u.a. zu Reformen im Gesundheits- und Sicherheitssektor. Zuletzt war sie Fellow am staatlichen Institut für Diplomatie und internationale Beziehungen in Talinn /Estland. Bevor Yuliia Siedaia vor kurzem erneut nach Berlin übersiedelte, lebte sie die letzten Monate in ihrer Heimatstadt Charkiv.
Living in Kharkiv over the past few months has been a deeply emotional experience. While the situation around us is undeniably difficult, and it's more about a constant, lingering fear for the safety of our loved ones. We go about our daily lives with a heightened awareness of the risks, constantly worrying about our family and friends, especially as the shelling and attacks continue.
It’s hard to describe the feeling of seeing once-familiar places reduced to rubble—favorite buildings, landmarks, and spots that held so many memories. It’s a strange mix of disbelief and heartache when you pass by places you once cherished, now destroyed or severely damaged. The city, which was once full of life and joy, feels quieter and emptier, yet there is an undeniable sense of resilience in the air. Despite the devastation, the people of Kharkiv continue to show incredible strength, rebuilding their lives day by day. Though the fear for our loved ones and the destruction around us are overwhelming, this crisis has forced us to reassess what truly matters. The spirit of resilience and love that has emerged in Kharkiv reminds us that even in the face of destruction, we have the strength to rebuild and move forward.
The war has brought with it a new, existential call for all of us. Our system of values has shifted—life feels more fragile than ever before. We start to reflect on the impermanence of everything around us, and our thoughts turn to the deeper meanings of existence. Writers like Viktor Frankl, Erich Maria Remarque, Bernhard Schlink, and Hannah Arendt have gained new relevance in our lives. As I reread their works now, the words resonate in a completely different way. We can now see the tragedy of war with our own eyes, and the stark realities they wrote about have become a part of our lived experience. Their exploration of suffering, survival, and the human condition has become all the more poignant in this time of crisis.
Enormous challenges in day-to-day life
As of December 2024, Kharkiv remains severely impacted by Russian military aggression, with widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, including residential buildings, medical facilities, and educational institutions. The region faces severe challenges in maintaining basic services. The local water utility is facing mounting debts. As a result, the utility risks a complete shutdown, which could severely affect water supply to residents. Additionally, with the ongoing energy crisis, residents are facing long blackouts.
This has left many residents without electricity, heat and running water, particularly in frontline and frontline-adjacent areas. Some residents remain in heavily damaged buildings, living without basic utilities and shelter. While large-scale evacuations have been ongoing, with over 340 settlements affected, many people are reluctant to leave their homes, especially in areas close to the front lines.
Despite the devastation, efforts to rebuild and maintain essential services continue. Public transport is operational, and pharmacies, supermarkets, and some businesses remain open. Although the city faces major challenges in restoring water and electricity, waste collection continues, and efforts to green the city and clear debris are ongoing. Kharkiv is beginning the slow process of recovery, even as it endures ongoing attacks.
Through the Ashes of War: Kharkiv’s Unyielding Resilience and Beauty
During the Christmas holidays, despite the hardships, Kharkiv continues to shine with its beauty. The streets are decorated with festive lights, and the city embraces the spirit of the season. People gather in local cafés and shops, and the city’s parks, though affected by the conflict, are still alive with hope and festive cheer. Kharkiv’s residents, who have faced unimaginable challenges, continue to celebrate the season, reflecting the city’s unyielding spirit and determination. Even in times of crisis, the beauty of Kharkiv remains a symbol of resilience and hope. The city's resilience in the face of such adversity stands as a testament to the strength of its people, who continue to fight for a better tomorrow.
