Slaviansk residents choose: live with hardship or leave
- 10 years ago
They are lining up for water in the eastern Ukrainian separatist stronghold of Slaviansk.
Since April, the city has been the epicenter of pro-Russian separatist activity.
Now Ukrainian forces have surrounded the city and frequently engage in firefights with separatists.
Some residents are learning to live without.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SLAVIANSK RESIDENT, ALEXANDRA, SAYING:
"There's no water, there's no electricity. That's why we're coming for water."
In the city center, streets are now lined with rubble, scarred by fierce fighting.
Shop windows are either boarded up or simply broken.
At an open air market even those who have money can find little to buy.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SLAVIANSK RESIDENT, VIKTOR, SAYING:
"You can't buy anything in the stores. We don't even have money to buy food. That's why we are leaving."
He has company. Others are lining up to get out of town. They have packed what they can save, fleeing home,
Since April, the city has been the epicenter of pro-Russian separatist activity.
Now Ukrainian forces have surrounded the city and frequently engage in firefights with separatists.
Some residents are learning to live without.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SLAVIANSK RESIDENT, ALEXANDRA, SAYING:
"There's no water, there's no electricity. That's why we're coming for water."
In the city center, streets are now lined with rubble, scarred by fierce fighting.
Shop windows are either boarded up or simply broken.
At an open air market even those who have money can find little to buy.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SLAVIANSK RESIDENT, VIKTOR, SAYING:
"You can't buy anything in the stores. We don't even have money to buy food. That's why we are leaving."
He has company. Others are lining up to get out of town. They have packed what they can save, fleeing home,