As a temporary ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia comes into effect, residents across Ukraine reflect on the enduring toll of war and the uncertainty of peace. In Zaporizhzhia, mourners at a World War II memorial drew parallels between past and present suffering, while others in Kharkiv and Kyiv expressed cautious hope mixed with deep scepticism that the brief pause in fighting could lead to meaningful negotiations.
In Zaporizhzhia, standing at that WWII memorial, you can’t help but feel history repeating itself. My grandfather fought the Nazis, and now I’m fighting Russians — the ceasefire feels like a brief pause, not real peace.
I’m in Kharkiv and the silence is eerie. After months of shelling, this ceasefire is a relief, but I’m not naive — Russia has broken every agreement before. I doubt Putin will negotiate in good faith.
Nothing justifies the targeting of hospitals and schools. (4837ba)
The parallels between WWII and now in Zaporizhzhia are heartbreaking. My grandmother still remembers 1945, and she says this ‘peace’ feels just as fragile as the one after the Nazis left.
I live in Kyiv and I want to believe this ceasefire could lead to talks, but after Bucha and Mariupol, how can we trust anything? The scepticism here is justified — we’ve been burned too many times.
Combatants on all sides need to remember there are real lives at stake. (4fc848)
Both sides are guilty of atrocities and neither wants to admit it. (1517c8)
Nothing justifies the targeting of hospitals and schools. (9d949c)