The family of Mayfeld, who had been displaced to the Odessa region, returned to their home in Kherson, Ukraine, after almost five years. They took advantage of a short humanitarian truce to visit their house, which they had left after four months of Russian occupation. The family was emotional as they reunited with their home, with the mother, Yuliia, tearfully expressing joy at being back.
The family, including four children, had to navigate through checkpoints and armed soldiers to reach their home. The children were quiet and timid as they waited for their mother to open the gate, before rushing into the garden. The house, which had been renovated before their departure, still had the same familiar features, including a playground and a wooden cabin.
Yuliia Mayfeld expressed her happiness at being back home, saying it had been a long time since they left. She wanted her children to experience the feeling of being at home and connected to their birthplace. Her husband, a sailor, was currently away in China, and the family was looking forward to spending a short time together.
The city of Kherson has been heavily damaged, with many buildings destroyed and thousands of explosive devices left behind by Russian forces. About three-quarters of the city's 280,000 inhabitants have fled, and many areas are now considered "red zones" due to the high risk of bombings and mine explosions.
Despite the risks, many displaced residents have returned to Kherson to collect belongings, check on their homes, or simply walk around the city. However, the temporary truce is set to end, and residents are worried about the resumption of hostilities. A local military source predicted that it would be "hell" again, with Russian forces having amassed new troops and supplies.
The family has only 24 hours to spend at home before they have to leave again. Yuliia Mayfeld took out a photo of her family from before the war and expressed her sadness at the experience they had to go through. Her children, including 16-year-old Ivan, who wants to become a sailor, were quiet and subdued, with Ivan saying he would like to visit the city center one last time.
The family will leave Kherson again on Sunday, and their story is a testament to the many Ukrainians who have been displaced by the war. The conflict has had a devastating impact on the country, with many cities and towns heavily damaged, and thousands of people forced to flee their homes.
Key points
- The family took advantage of a short humanitarian truce to return to their home in Kherson.
- The city of Kherson has been heavily damaged, with many buildings destroyed and thousands of explosive devices left behind.
- The family has only 24 hours to spend at home before they have to leave again.
