According to the UN, 7.7 million Ukrainians, or 17.5 percent of the total population, are internally displaced. While some have sought refuge elsewhere in the country, others who fled at the start of the Russian invasion are returning home in the hope of resuming their lives. For one family, returning home was anything but joyful.
Heartbreak As A Ukrainian Family Returns To Find Their Home In Ruins
- By RFE/RL
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Natalia Didenko, Eduard Zelenskiy, and his wife, Nila Zelinska, walk by destroyed houses on the way to their home in the village of Potashnya, near Kyiv, on May 31.
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, it triggered one of the largest humanitarian crises in Europe's recent history, with an estimated 12.8 million people displaced, most of whom have not left the country.
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, it triggered one of the largest humanitarian crises in Europe's recent history, with an estimated 12.8 million people displaced, most of whom have not left the country.
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A view of Eduard and Nila's destroyed home
The UN calls the situation in Ukraine dire. "Internally displaced people, the majority of whom are women and children, have lost everything they had -- their homes and belongings, their livelihoods, their support networks, and in many cases, their loved ones. Many of them face shortages of food, water, basic items and energy, and lack access to health services and medication."
The UN calls the situation in Ukraine dire. "Internally displaced people, the majority of whom are women and children, have lost everything they had -- their homes and belongings, their livelihoods, their support networks, and in many cases, their loved ones. Many of them face shortages of food, water, basic items and energy, and lack access to health services and medication."
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Eduard Zelenskiy looks at the ruins of his destroyed home while petting his dog.
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Nila Zelinska (center) greets a neighbor after arriving home in Potashnya.
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Nila Zelinska and Natalia Didenko embrace a neighbor.
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Eduard Zelenskiy stands amid the rubble of his home.
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Nila Zelinska (left) cries as she walks to the remains of her house, which was destroyed during Russian attacks.
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Nila Zelinska sits inside her neighbor's home after returning to her village and finding that her home was destroyed.
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Eduard Zelenskiy looks for items that he can salvage in his destroyed home.
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Nila Zelinska cries as she stands in the ruins of her home, holding a doll that belonged to her granddaughter.
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