From: UKRAINER WRITTEN BY Keno Verseck
Vasylivka is a small town in Ukraine — many of its inhabitants fled the terror of the Russian occupiers. Under the leadership of the mayor, Vasylivka lives on in exile: a lesson in Ukraine’s will to persevere.
Shortly after half past seven on a winter Monday morning, another half-hour air raid has just ended in the city of Zaporizhzhia. Mayor of Vasylivka Serhii Kaliman enters the city council offices. The burly 51-year-old — balding head, full beard, olive-green jumper and black jeans — greets everyone who has already arrived, hugging some of them. One by one, more employees arrive, and soon the desks are full.
At eight o’clock, Kaliman calls everyone into the meeting room. A member of staff distributes coffee and herbal tea. The mayor explains what is on the agenda for the coming week. Later in the morning, there will be a commemoration of fallen soldiers and showing respect to those still fighting. The commission for the support of families of fallen soldiers is also meeting this week; there are also some school and youth events on the programme.
Occupied by Russia
Kaliman thanks everyone present. He speaks loudly and emphatically, and yet he sounds warm-hearted. “Thank you for being here,” he says. “Thank you for being here.” The room is silent for a moment, as if everyone is pausing and remembering what they have been through together.
Voice of Ukraine 