Orikhiv and Huliaipole — two strongholds in the south, not far from Zaporizhzhia. Most locals have fled from here, given the closeness of the front line. Yet, amidst the airstrikes, we encountered remarkable individuals who brave the danger to rescue animals, shelter goats in basements from the bombardment, and care for dogs and cats, providing them with food and refuge.

After 2 years of relentless shelling, hardly any buildings remain intact in these areas. The russians have razed schools, hospitals, and shops. Nonetheless, the locals maintain: as long as there's life here, the enemy won't prevail.

Anna Kaliuzhna brings us stories of the resilient spirit and compassion of the people in the frontline cities of Huliaipole and Orikhiv.

This video report was made possible thanks to the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Human Rights in Action Program, implemented by the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union.

The perspectives and interpretations presented in this video may not necessarily reflect those of USAID or the United States Government. The authors hold sole responsibility for the content of the publication.