Work continues in Ukraine as Chernigov residents try to rebuild city
Valentina Savelieva worked with former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Medical Technician David Pivato as an interpreter while they helped rescue Ukrainians from the war-torn country.
While Pivato may be back in Canada, Savelieva isn’t slowing down. Instead, she is ramping up her humanitarian efforts as an act of resistance.
When not bringing much-needed supplies into Ukraine, and people and their pets out to safety, she is raising awareness of the atrocities that occurred in her hometown of Chernigov.
Chernigov is located North near the border of Belarus and was a stopping point for the Russian Army. They laid siege to the city, and destroyed over 70 per cent of the infrastructure.
Ukrainian authorities stated that the Russian military had left Chernihov on April 4. Once a city of about 300,000 strong, only about 90,000 people remained within the city.
Savelieva’s father was one of the many killed, and though it broke Savelieva’s heart, this only fueled her desire to help her fellow citizens.
It has been weeks since Chernigov began its rebuilding efforts, but they are still desperate for food, clean water, steady electricity and internet service, medical supplies, and funds to bring the city back to its former self.
Despite the challenges ahead of them, Mayor of Chernigov Vladyslav Atroshenko is immensely proud of his citizens.
“None of their resistance was forced,” said Atroshenko, interpreted through Savelieva. “They decided to stand up on their own and do what they could. They fought for their land because it is their home.”
This resistance movement not only joined in the fight but helped the wounded, put out fires, removed garbage, and fed people. They were teachers, bakers, plumbers, electricians, public servants, and homemakers - just regular people who refused to be pushed out of their homes, said Atroshenko.
“I want Canadians to know that we are patriotic and that Chernigov has a long history where people have fought for freedom,” the mayor added. “And I am so proud to see my citizens fight like people did in the past.”
He is grateful for Canada’s support and prays it’s something no Canadian ever experiences.
Once Chernigov was liberated, the mayor urged people to come back and rebuild. This call was answered by many, though not all survived the journey home.
“People understand very well that the war continues and understands that Russia may return,” said Atroshenko. “If they win in the east and the west, they will come back.”
But that isn’t stopping people in their efforts.
“They love their home,” said Pivato while back in Canada. “They really do, and a lot don’t want to leave.”
Chernigov has received some humanitarian aid, but many are still struggling. About 2,000 private homes, 10,000 social houses, and 40,000 apartments have been destroyed, leaving many homeless.
“There is nowhere for people to live, and there is no possibility to work because most businesses were bombed,” said Atroshenko, adding the city needs municipal infrastructure professionals and specialists to help rebuild.
To help Savelieva with her efforts, please contact her at riabikvivienne@gmail.com.
Click on an image to enlarge. Submitted photos.
