Photo credit: www.investing.com

Residents of Ukraine’s “Venice” Face Drone Threats Amid Ongoing Conflict

VYLKOVE, Ukraine (Reuters) – In the picturesque town of Vylkove, often referred to as Ukraine’s “Venice” due to its network of canals, residents find themselves vulnerable to the rising threat of Russian drone attacks. The town, nestled at the delta of the Danube River, lacks basements or underground shelters, leaving its inhabitants exposed as they face this new precarious reality.

Vylkove is a small tourist destination, where traditional roads are non-existent, and boats serve as the primary means of transportation. However, its serene facade is marred by escalating drone assaults aimed at destabilizing Ukraine’s crucial port infrastructure and obstructing food exports vital for nations across northern Africa and the Middle East.

As Russian attacks intensify, the local border guard unit emphasizes the need for active defense, with soldiers undergoing rigorous training to intercept drones. “The only way to avoid drone attacks is to shoot them down,” explained a soldier known by the call sign IT, a former computer teacher who’ve transitioned to military service.

The motivations behind these defensive efforts are deeply personal. The ongoing conflict, which escalated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has cultivated a profound sense of anger among the troops. “Emotions come later,” IT mentioned, highlighting the focus of soldiers on their duties in a time of crisis.

The drone strikes often commence under the cover of darkness, making them particularly challenging to detect. One poignant story comes from Yulia Kapitan, the owner of the Delta Hotel, who faces the harrowing experience of protecting her child during these attacks. “I say to her, ‘Milana, shh, shh, shh,’ to keep her calm. It’s a flash, the lights go out, followed by the sound of an explosion—it’s a moment that becomes seared in your memory,” Yulia shared.

As residents continue to navigate the challenges posed by both military threats and the realities of living in a town without shelters, the resilience and determination of the people of Vylkove shine through. Their stories illustrate the human cost of this conflict, as well as the unyielding spirit of those who call this charming yet dangerous locality home.

Source
www.investing.com