After hundreds were murdered in their town, Ukrainian residents are turning to anti-depressants, alcohol, religion and ultimately to community to process the horror of what happened

Terrified residents in Bucha are desperately trying to overcome the trauma of the civilian massacre that took place in the city at the beginning of Russia’s war with Ukraine. Located only 15 miles away from Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, Bucha came into the world’s focus after Russian forces occupied the city during the months of February and March.

Although Ukrainian troops pushed back the Russian offensive, the residents who remain in Bucha are now battling against the psychological scars they’ve been left with.

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Church Wine

Earlier this month, Bucha Mayor Anatoliy Federochuk told Byline Times that over 400 dead bodies had been discovered in mass graves throughout the city with local authorities investigating the deaths as possible war crimes conducted by Russian forces.

Over 100 of the victims were discovered buried in shallow graves beside the Orthodox St Andrew’s Church in Bucha, according to Archpriest Andriy Galavin.

He told Byline Times that despite the horrors, local residents are still turning to religion for mental relief despite the church being mostly closed for service.

“Although it’s unofficial, it is very important people are coming and praying, the church is helping as well and providing humanitarian aid. Everything is individual to how people are reacting. I cannot see everyone, it’s not a little village, but what I saw is people is needing to be with each other, and need more support.”

Halyana is a resident in Bucha who cares for her two disabled parents. When Russian forces occupied her village, all she could do was pray.

“All over this place, there were [Russian] tanks. And above my house, there was always striking towards Irpin. There were shooting, I’m Orthodox, I’m a religious person, I was constantly praying, and they did not hit us, so I thank God,” she told Byline Times. 

Halyana and her parents survived, but several of her neighbours were so fortunate. “I saw so many dead bodies, so many people I know,” she said. Despite not drinking alcohol regularly, her harrowing experiences are now difficult to forget. “A neighbour brought some church wine, it is helping.”