Liberated Villagers In Mykolayiv Region Describe 'Cruel' Russian Occupiers

Residents of Maksymivka, a village in Ukraine's Mykolayiv region, lived under Russian occupation for eight months. Locals who remained in the village during the occupation recall the arrests, beatings, and looting by Russian forces.
Originally published at - www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-war-v...
***
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[@ginmar8134]

Why should he be calm? His whole life was destroyed.

[@khiem1939]

He's ALIVE, everything else can be REPLACED other than LIFE!

[@srccde]

@@khiem1939 At least the mental scars will always remain.

[@marshwetland3808]

Not to mention the trauma of living in a cellar in a war zone for eight months. Unbelievable. 24 people stayed. Hell on earth. No doubt more stayed, but died.

[@metkic94]

@Johnny H Johns Houses in rural areas are not that expensive 10-20k max the most important is that his okay.

[@anomalyp8584]

@@khiem1939 spoken like someone who has gone through this lol

[@euekesouborrego318]

Ukrainians need weapons, not words. They're a disciplined, intelligent, brave and patriotic army. Give them the weapons they need, they'll look after themselves as well as clean the country from Russian terrorists. Slava Ukraini!

[@u.h.h4915]

💛👍🏻💙

[@MrJdsenior]

And they'll do it IN PLACE of the rest of us. THAT is what many in the west haven't even thought of (many in the west, and everywhere else, studiously avoid thinking, unfortunately). Their kids are dying INSTEAD of ours, were Russia to continue on after Ukraine. The Ukrainians have been forced into this, they have no choice, and ALL I've seen them ask for, really, are the weapons to do that job. They should have more and better weapons provided, I think. Things like ATACMS, a couple of Tomahawks to end the Kerch bridge, and a few other types should have been provided LONG ago. Shut down the Kerch, their ENTIRE high throughput line to Ukraine, which supplies most of the Southern Russian military, is gone. Sure, they'd start shipping it across, but that would be a trickle compared to the broken dike now, and the Ukrainians COULD shut down the ship operations, too, if they had the weapons to do it. And those weapons EXIST, BOY do they exist. Instead we gave them nothing but backpack weapons for MONTHS. It helped them tremendously, but had the next tier up lower level weapons that are now being provided been provided from the beginning, there would be a LOT fewer Ukrainians dead, and the Russians would hold far less land than they do right now. For all we know, they might have been driven totally out by now. Not a super high probability of them being that far along, but we will never know, will we? And because we didn't a lot of Ukrainians will never know anything ever again, because they are gone, permanently. All of the Russian threats to the west are BS. We know that because they've made them previous to every time we've upped the ante in weapons, and the Russians knew they were coming beforehand (which is also stupid on our part). NONE of them have been carried out. Big surprise, not. If the stupid Russians think they are fighting NATO, they are clueless. US/NATO defense budget is TWO HUNDRED TWENTY FIVE times what Ukraine's is, and fifteen times Russia's (don't take my word for it, look it up). NONE of the west's REAL weapons are even in theater, no ships, no jets, no helis, no tanks, no cruise missiles, yada yada. Big surprise that the Russians bluster, blabber, posture, and threaten endlessly and carry none of it out. They KNOW what would happen if they went against even the US alone directly. NATO adds about 50% more to that. They would get PULVERIZED in Ukraine, and VERY quickly. It would be a video game, just like it has been everywhere else. Yeah, in 3rd world countries, trying to stamp out 100 million cockroaches running underfoot is impossible. Getting through ALL of their defenses, wiping out virtually ALL of the equipment in the process, from the border to entering the capital, a handful of days. It was not one sided, it was almost more like the enemy didn't exist, in terms of slowing our machine down. A few lost their lives in that campaign, but not many. Almost all of the loss of life came in the cockroach part. And if you don't care about ANY of that, just from a results standpoint, the world will NEVER get more bang for their defense spent tax dollar than they can right now in Ukraine. We aren't providing the soldiers, the money it would take to place our own troops and maintain them, and all the REAL weapons that would be in at that point, those are the kinds of things I am talking about.

[@simhadridebnath1078]

Good joke

[@chrissample3047]

Yes

[@George.Andrews.]

@@simhadridebnath1078 w⚓️

[@liberty_and_justice67]

Example of what Russia offers the world😢

[@cepelinai123]

@@Alickist Who? Barbarians and retards from ruZZia, who else is fighting in Ukraine?

[@u.h.h4915]

@@Alickist ruZZki ruZZki Mir 👎🏻

[@u.h.h4915]

✨🌟💙🙏🏻💛🌟✨

[@mr_benn_escapes_lockdown1780]

@@Alickist Purely down to putin and his vanity. There is no one else to blame, he wanted to be known as the great conquer instead he is known as a great failure.

[@cepelinai123]

@@Alickist By their own

[@katiedotson704]

The Russian soldiers are an example of how all of Russia chooses to behave. They don't even have self respect or one iota of dignity.

[@romanivanovich6717]

they go to the toilet where they eat and sleep.

[@alexandreedisherashvili9710]

@@romanivanovich6717 This is 🐖ruZZian🇷🇺🚽 national tradition🤬

[@alinajune435]

Мы такое не выбирали

[@MathyBoonen]

My grandfather told me already after ww2. No selfrespect and no morals

[@gruntymchunchy1527]

Jaysus That is raw emotion He has been through hell

[@mayamae55]

3:30 “I’ll repair the roof on my own, I don’t need government money” - undoubtedly this lady lived through the Soviet era, but has an admirable independent mentality, even more than my fellow countrymen of Japan 🇯🇵 we complain endlessly about how the government is petty on compensation for natural disasters like the typhoon, earthquakes, floods, which occasionally occur. Kudos to this brave, strong Ukrainian woman 💙💛

[@SouthBaySteelers]

You haven’t seen anything until you come to America. This is the capital of me-first in many blue parts of the country. Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country, is long gone.

[@anomalyp8584]

It depends on how much taxes a gvt asks and what it promises.

[@canadiandrumer]

that's how Cossacks are, they are feared by Moscow for being so independent

[@BaumerPaulGefreiter]

Vitaliy and Maria, I can think of little consolation for you. Only this: I am quite sure that one day you will be summoned to an international court to testify and your testimony along with the testimony of other victims will contribute to the conviction of all Kremlin criminals. Any new Russian government will no doubt be forced by the international community to hand over all the accused for prosecution. If you think of Yugoslavia, you will see that it is not unrealistic at all.

[@thesuncollective1475]

They are very brave..all that stayed should get a medal. Maria is worried about the mess?..I find that cute. You are alive the mess you can clean up. She has a strong sprit . Good bless her.

[@BratBugarin]

The other side should always be heard. Like this, that is just fierce Western propaganda.

[@BaumerPaulGefreiter]

@@BratBugarin Just like at ICTY, the other side will be heard, you needn't worry.

[@BratBugarin]

@@BaumerPaulGefreiter Do you think the Russians will organize it to judge everyone who committed crime or helped them to do it, Bamer?

[@omegaz3393]

@Брат Бугарин Leave it to the ORC's to not believe the victims should be heard you pile of 💩.

[@ellasmommy9278]

Those poor people. My heart breaks for them. I know they will rebuild and be even stronger. Ukrainians are so strong and resilient. Slava Ukraini 💙💛🇺🇦🌻

[@BratBugarin]

The other side should always be heard. Like this, that is just fierce Western propaganda.

[@parabeiium7075]

@@BratBugarin yeah, you posting this cringe under an each comment certainly doesn't look like a propaganda.

[@BratBugarin]

@@parabeiium7075 Why should I write different texts for the same posts? An obvious effect of Western propaganda.

[@parabeiium7075]

@@BratBugarin Why? Maybe you would get paid better for looking less stupid, you poor bot? Where did you find same posts? Only your dumb comments repeat.

[@FlashBack-nk4ju]

@@BratBugarin You type the same thing everywhere 😂

[@stacey_1111rh]

Thank you for continuing to cover this conflict. 🇺🇦💪🏼✌🏼

[@angusross6609]

Absolutely awful. My heart goes out to these poor people.

[@BratBugarin]

The other side should always be heard. Like this, that is just fierce Western propaganda.

[@DacianRider]

@@BratBugarin F yourself and F the other side. After clear evidence of your actions there is nothing left to hear. Burn in hell !

[@reallifehack4790]

@@BratBugarin what other side?

[@BratBugarin]

@@reallifehack4790 If you don't know the sides, why are you answering?

[@DSan-kl2yc]

@@BratBugarin if this was a court room, we'd have video, and photographic evidence. While we were all witnesses who caught during the crime. We've heard what the killers, the thieves, the invaders have to say. And it's nonsense. Because they're brainwashed by a state media controlled by an oppressive government. With access to little information or viewpoints. Ironically you don't listen to anyone's side. No one needs to listen to anything but a confession and a mea culpa from Russia. an admission of guilt and wrong doing is the only worthwhile thing to say.

[@MomMom4Cubs]

I felt guilty giving a like to this video because I'm sorry for those good folks! I hope they can find comfort in the fact that they're not alone. These innocent victims have friends, and we are there for them. These are some badass people! 🇺🇦 Slava Ukraine! 🇺🇦 🙏🏻❤️From Rochester NY❤️🙏🏻

[@KaiserS0ZE]

Liking the video results in more visibility and exposure for the video on the platform.

[@MomMom4Cubs]

@@KaiserS0ZE I know, that's why I smashed the shit outta my like button, not only on my account but my Husband's, too. That being said, I hate this video; I hate that these innocent victims of cruelty were made to experience such atrocities! This video breaks my heart, big time. I'm so sorry for them, and none of them deserve any of this.

[@sikemo9432]

Without the journalists covering this sh... Russians can operate with impunity and no one would hear about it. It's like putting the light on cockroaches. They all scatter. They don't like light. Many Ukrainians were killed or tortured for taking pics and filming them. Why do you think that is?

[@coolhand66]

Yeah me too I'm crying also damn Russians God bless these peoples I wish I could go over there and give them a hug tell them everything will be alright I hope. God bless Ukraine Slava

[@u.h.h4915]

🇸🇪👍🏻💛💙🙏🏻♥️❤️‍🔥

[@charliemaine9304]

Imagine having such high public morale that you're willing to get shelled by your own military. Ukraine really is in total war mode.

[@sirdiealot53]

Hey RFE/RL you really dont need the loud BLEEPS for him saying blyat or whatever. 99.9% of listeners wouldnt even hear it anyways and curse words are pretty damn justified when your entire city has been invaded. Let the man cuss. Still love the videos though! Slava Ukraini. Beat em back!

[@MrJdsenior]

Seconded.

[@KaiserS0ZE]

The beeps are required by you-tube to avoid demonetization and age restrictions/warnings.

[@Az9010idontuploadvideos]

It's hard to watch what happened. They suffered so much, lost everything and now they have to rebuild their lives from scratch.

[@branmcg9844]

My God the Russians make great first impressions....NOT. They have earned the Orc name.

[@maryclynch9356]

poor folk. They'll have emotional damage for the rest of their lives.

[@sallylambert7552]

What a mess! Senseless destruction and cruelty. But now they have freedom. They will rebuild it even better. Prayers.

[@commonsense571]

God Bless Ukraine 🇺🇦

[@dimtool4183]

Each Orc Will Pay Or Die!

[@u.h.h4915]

👍🏻⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

[@jdoe3006]

These folks are so proud of their servicemen heroes for fighting for them.

[@supervid8871]

I can't even express how i am feel when watching all this

[@emmanuelojong4341]

the are no place for dictators in the future

[@timmommens901]

❤Slava ukraini 🇺🇦🇧🇪🇰🇷

[@user-wl4jz4rd5i]

@Наталия Штепа придурки одним словом!

[@user-fq6rq3ju8z]

Подивіться, що ці мирні зробили з дітьми Донецька та Луганська. Алея ангелів.

[@lumpi234]

Slava Ukraine. Best wishes from Germany. We support you.

[@paolo108]

hopevpeople round the world watch clips like this

[@ronnymcdonald2543]

Meh fook yr Nazis in Ukraine, shithole dictatorship controlled by the cia lol

[@tesslake6787]

I am saddened by this news of man talking about lies orcs spread ! I am truly sorry man ! Ya don’t deserve to live like that ! Ya should be free man ! You are who you are the true ukrainan !! With love from 🇺🇸

[@righteousbyfaithinChrist]

How horrible. Im crying too. God bless Ukraine. Russian lies damage trust. Repair the homes will be accomplished...

[@BratBugarin]

The other side should always be heard. Like this, that is just fierce Western propaganda.

[@user-fq6rq3ju8z]

Подивіться, що ці мирні зробили з дітьми Донецька та Луганська. Алея ангелів.

[@thefastandthedead1769]

“God is not on the side of the big battalions, but on the side of those who shoot best.” ― Voltaire. It is so true as RuZZia is finding out. Keep passing the ammunition to drive out the abhorrent invader. Slava Ukraini!💙💛

[@BratBugarin]

The other side should always be heard. Like this, that is just fierce Western propaganda.

[@thefastandthedead1769]

@@BratBugarin LOL. RuZZia invaded bringing endless war crimes. Propaganda? No, all independently verified. Note I distinguish between Russia and RuZZia. Putler did not have to become a f@scist. He choose that path.

[@Mr.50cal]

@@BratBugarin So where is your truth, on his yacht?

[@Mr.50cal]

@@BratBugarin RUSpy on here!

[@manymoonstraveled]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 to Ukraines Victory ❤

[@joette5333]

We must do more to stop this insanity

[@nissafors]

I feel more and more sad over this war, and more and more sad for the people of Ukraine. I wish this war would end soon, with victory for Ukraine. Greetings from Sweden. Slava Ukraini!

[@cinemaipswich4636]

Not everyone leaves. There is always one who stays behind to protect the homes and the things that make things right. They have no gun or weapon. They only love their friends.

[@hkzkkpjnhllg]

Free Chechnya and Dagestan

[@karinaivankova4099]

Free DNR and LNR! Free Novorossiya!

[@ckm-mkc]

My family lives in a similar village in another part of Europe. This could be any of us.

[@HenrijsEglitis]

Sad to see destruction and all hurdle people must go thru 😟

[@robmclaughjr]

All Russians should be judged by their soldiers' actions in Ukraine.

[@alexmark4417]

Russia must dissapear so humanity can live in peace and happiness.

[@oblivionzzzmike]

It’s very tragically ironic that a random guy jokingly registered this dude on his phone as ‘commander Vitaliy’. He most probably was already a traumatized human from some sort of condition out of his control. Certainly a character. Only to be traumatized further because of a joke name taken too seriously by an army in disarray.

[@1Jenny]

Once the Russian terrorists have been excreted from all parts of Ukraine they should be made to pay for not only the crimes and damages they caused but also the unavoidable damages done by Defenders in order to rid the land of and protect lives against these lethal criminals and stop their genocidal mission! Respect love and gratitude to all Defenders, more power to them! Glory to Ukraine! 💙💛

[@ohbuddyiliketowatch]

The trauma and grief is so sad and it angers me. This is what people need to show their Russian relatives. :(

[@gondorianslayer4250]

This is going to hurt Russia reputation. Oh wait it did, lol.

[@u.h.h4915]

ruZZki will soon be North Korea 🇰🇵 2,0 for many generations‼️‼️‼️

[@laars0001]

You mean it reinforced it....

[@alessandrocanale6189]

Glad to see that they are not anymore under terrorist occupation i give my respect to the pepole of ukraine from italy 🇮🇹❤️🇺🇦❤️🇪🇺

[@angeliquestarkey9149]

I pray for freedom forever for Ukraine 🇺🇦 love and prayers from the United States 🇺🇸

[@richarddow8967]

Keep up the reporting! It matters!

[@obsidianjane4413]

@2:06 You can see the perfect impact hole, probably of a Excalibur or other 155mm round between the drivers hatch and the turret ring.

[@doricetimko332]

Slava Ukraine❤. I wish for healing and recovery for the Ukranians

[@aprilsmith3683]

May your future be better than your present and past...🇿🇦🕊🇺🇦

[@Ibu812]

Gloire au peuple Ukrainien 💙💙💙💙💛💛 Gloire au peuple Ukrainien 💙💙💙💙💛💛

[@TJDuffy-ip3ue]

Stop censoring the word "fuck." It's a common English word, and we are witnessing the atrocities of war - - The World deserves to see and hear it uncensored.

[@kevinsummers1055]

We have to find some way in mankind to stop this hate. This is a combination of putin and most sadly to god kirill

[@przemyslawzaleski]

There is a way: stop buying Russian gas and oil and send long-range precise rocket artillery and more better air defense systems to Ukraine.

[@hb9145]

@@przemyslawzaleski Europe will never make the same mistake again, while Russia has taken off the mask and exposed its satanic self. It's official: The Cold War against the Evil Empire is back. Man, I miss Reagan.

[@laars0001]

Not much chance of Vitaly ever forgetting or forgiving russia

[@gaelstrarai]

Nor should he.

[@paulc3749]

hope these poor poor people get some normality back from here on. War is horrifying

[@robertwolfe2971]

I watched this a couple months ago.we want to see how these same people are doing today.same people are they getting the help they need today.

[@rickbase833]

Our thoughts and prayers to all Ukrainians who made it back for those that didn't make it.

[@kathryn6076]

What international agencies are bringing aid to these people? Winter is here. They need heat, blankets, food, medicine, clean water, and restoration of basic human needs. This is inhumane. Who is bringing aide?

[@IFIXCASTLES]

Where the hell is red Cross and the friggin UN?????

[@edwardjons8684]

You mean apart from most European countries? They are sending huge amounts of humanitarian aid and have been since spring. The weapons get the headlines of course (they are more expensive than aid, ironically).

[@mr_benn_escapes_lockdown1780]

@@IFIXCASTLES In a clip today on UATV English there was a big UNHCR generator parked up in Kyiv, so some things are getting through . kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWbSppyNrKd9oas

[@gobsek]

@@IFIXCASTLES "Red Cross" is highly criticized in Ukraine, they do nothing. Don't donate to them. If you want to help, then donate directly to volunteer organizations

[@pennylane428]

It makes me wonder if every soldier in the ruzzian army is a sociopath. I’ll give a ‘little’ grace to the citizens that decided to leave because they didn’t support putins cruel war.

[@MathyBoonen]

Just brainwashed and most likely drunk.

[@Carmenmartinez-nf9pt]

I'm so sorry this happened to you is not fair 😔 💔 God protect 🙏 you always.

[@marshwetland3808]

God failed. So did anyone who believes in that fiction.

[@user-oi3yb7mm7h]

Wisest are those who are good at discovering the strengths of others. Strongest are those who are good at controlling themselves. Richest are those who are aware of their fortune, are content with it, give their wealth to help others, and live a fulfilling and happy life.

[@ralphhowes]

High pitched beeping is painful for tinnitus sufferers. Use. White. Noise.

[@karensheehan2878]

All our love to the amazing people of Ukraine. Take it step by step. The world will help you rebuild too. You are not alone. 🇦🇺

[@claudiogonzalez3788]

modern Russia would make Batu Khan and his golden horde feel ashamed

[@fluffyhamster550]

I feel sorry for the dead animals, strange that the Orcs didn’t eat them, and stole all the toilets and washing machines..🤬

[@jacqdanieles]

Those were probably killed by the shelling that caused the orcs to flee.

[@travelling_stephen]

SLAVA UKRAINE 🇺🇦

[@orangadil9100]

Yes..russian soldiers are the real animals

[@ronnymcdonald2543]

At least they're not NAZIS lol

[@khiem1939]

Yes, it's EASY for them to be ANIMALS since they have such a low INTELLIGENCE!

[@alfonsosalazarestrada6091]

No doubt, they will pay, you'll see, what I don't get is, how many westerners are on putins side, it boggles my mind, I 'll put them in the same category (as animals) for the rest of my life, at this point in my life I would probably erase any person of my list of friends or acquaintances if they support this animal (putin) they're gone.

[@ronnymcdonald2543]

@@alfonsosalazarestrada6091 And you clearly haven't even researched why Putin invaded Ukraine so I'd suggest you watch the Doco Ukraine On Fire and grow up, because yr supporting the cia and Nazis.

[@alfonsosalazarestrada6091]

@@ronnymcdonald2543 Ronny, Ronny here is the thing, weren't you taught as a child that you just don't take others people property just because you could, that's my point man, you just respect, it's not that hard man unless you're a bully, that's what I mean and let alone the brutality and cruelty that this animal (putin) has brought on this innocent civilians, that is just not cool man, well, to me, and that's your opinion but I don't share it.

[@americasfavoritebrazilian2399]

They need more guided munitions. But there so expensive. Very hard call. Civilians need to relocate!

[@pogues1]

Keep strong, good (not god) will prevail.

[@finn3408]

One way to help is to find a Ukrainian family to support. Use Western Union. Give them $30.00 per week to survive.

[@Beowulf395]

Stay strong

[@samorayee420]

how sad . this is what we experienced in Afghanistan when Russia attack us . I will never forget that

[@johnelliott7020]

Sad!

[@DF-mo8gq]

Can expect ukrainians to love their neighbors anymore. So sad

[@mazza_razzza]

So, so sad.

[@theoutsiderartists1231]

We have got to help Ukraine rebuild somehow? I would love to help the lady fix her roof myself. Slava Ukraine Defenders! Slava Ukraine!

[@BlondeManNoName]

Orcs destroy everything in their path.

[@homegirlshy]

Why on earth would we (USA) want to "buy" Ukraine? When has that ever happened? Besides our own territory here in the USA.

[@jdmmg4904]

💔😢

[@mairafrazier6618]

😪💔🙏

[@jb-jw9kw]

So sad what these animals did......you will get rid of them soon...Slava Ukraini from Latvia

[@u.h.h4915]

🇸🇪👍🏻✨✨✨✨💙💛✨✨✨✨

[@pepijykyum]

These people need help not just financially but psychological support from professionals. I am battling my own demons everyday but I still can't imagine the horrors they've went through and still going through.

[@Exiyle]

there is not enough tnt in the world to stop the ukranian spartan legions. heroiam slava from the uk

[@rutos7]

Ukrainians need a help not a words. These people are suffering so much. They built everything all them life and everything was destroyed by russians.

[@user-qs9qh6ir6r]

00:55 ...

[@SandyRiverBlue]

I can't imagine rebuilding at that age. I can't imagine rebuilding at this age. Disgusting, and for what, a pissing contest?

[@sammurphy3343]

As an American the people who sold me a lot in this village seemed to be on the up and up. In all seriousness though who do I contact to initiate a refund?

[@soyyo85]

Слава Україні.... смерть ворогам...

[@alabasterfantasia1762]

Fight back.

[@prabirchakraborty61]

We shall over come some day ohh deep in my heart do i believe we shall over come some day. Slava ukrian...

[@bassmaster135790666]

I don't know what they're complaining about turn all that metal in to cash you'll have more money than the village was ever worth.

[@chrissample3047]

So terrible

[@augustuslunasol10thapostle]

Russian “liberation” apparently that means being liberated of your land and things

[@ralfdonhill8175]

😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@shanpatrickbaker988]

Looks like the fancy part of LA.

[@robertwolfe2971]

Is life better than it was or getting better.

[@nightengale7163]

The invaders will burn in hell 🔥🔥🔥 Bless the brave Ukranian people 🙏🌹 Glory to Ukraine! 🇺🇦💪💙💛🌻✨ 🇺🇲❤️🇺🇦

[@georgegeorgakopoulos5956]

In Radio Free Europe/liberty we trust

[@slimdeivid]

0:52 THE TRUTH OF THE WAR....THEY WERE SOLD

[@alanlangley7246]

There you go World now you see what COMMUNISM is all about .

[@thomasdoubting2730]

"The clever bajonette and the silly bullet (that go astray)" The little people always loose when the silly bullets fly. 💥🏳

[@ivreiceman20257]

Shouldn't blame animals only humans act like humans

[@indieanna4380]

Yes it's an insult to animals.