Ukraine: Occupied and recaptured - The story of the town of Kupyansk | DW Documentary

The town of Kupyansk was one of the first places in Ukraine to fall to Russian invaders. Six months later it was recaptured by Ukraine. Left in the ruins of the town, residents are now grappling with questions of guilt and complicity.
No shots were fired when the Russian army occupied Kupyansk. The mayor of the town of 30,000 simply handed it over to advancing Russian troops. But not all citizens were happy with the collaboration. One brave local politician drummed up resistance and organized protests under the Ukrainian flag. Russia launched a violent crackdown on the rebellion. Anyone daring to speak out against the Russian troops’ presence risked being ‘disappeared’ in the occupiers’ torture chambers. Open resistance was swiftly quashed, driving the movement underground. Meanwhile Russia began implementing its own plans for the town, which became an administrative center for the occupied territories around Kharkiv. The occupation authorities handed out Russian passports and turned Kupyansk into a showcase town for "Russkij Mir" - which can be translated as "Russian world" or "Russian peace".
Six months later, Ukraine recaptured Kupyansk. Russian troops stationed 10 kilometers from the center exacted revenge by launching almost daily artillery attacks on the town. Many residents fled. But for those who stayed, the question remains: how to carry on after the experiences of the occupation?
This film by Julia Bayer, Mathias Bölinger, Lewis Sanders and Hanna Sokolova reconstructs the mechanisms of the occupation with those who lived through it: those who were at some point able to flee, and those who stayed. The documentary hears from residents who collaborated as well as those who resisted, whether openly or in secret. It illustrates a panorama of life under occupation and poses the big questions of guilt and complicity.
#documentary #dwdocumentary #Ukraine
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[@ruslandukhnovskiy5694]

it's my hometown. i would have never imagined that it could become well known in such a terrible way. i left the town just in 2 days before the war happened cuz i felt that it's inevitable and there's no chance to avoid occupation

[@SexySammy-dr3up]

Do u think that they would do something to you.

[@backwardthoughts1022]

lol are you a russian in ukraine claiming you want to live under ukrainian shelling rather than living under russian protection?

[@sH-ed5yf]

​@@backwardthoughts1022russia shelled everything there to rubble. Ukraine fought the russian backed rebels. Not more not less

[@user-fm5nz8wf8j]

Can't blame ya. It's been 85 years since World War II ended but then, just a year ago, war had returned to Europe. You know, it's ironic: the same country who had "helped" us win now might started no thanks to Pooptin (screw you, Putin) living in the past aka the Soviet Union. Go Team Ukraine! *begins to mentally sing along* Ukraine's glory and freedom has not yet perished Upon us, young brethren, fate shall smile once more Our enemies shall vanish like dew in the Sun...hey, please, sing rest of the song! Anyway, *blows raspberry at Ganchev and pro-Russians*

[@backwardthoughts1022]

@@sH-ed5yf russia shelled everything there now after everyone relocated to russia. after russia rebuilds their new territory those ppl will return if they want the point is 15,000 east ukraine civilians were shelled over the past decade by ukraine due to cia proxy antagonising, which russia coup no longer tolerate which is why it moved in initially with 90k security mobilisation to force a security resolvement and legal assurances. zelenzky initially signed in secret and then violated the signed agreement initiating the war with full air control russia should have carpet bombed all of western ukraine, but they are not psychotic shock and awe psychopaths like usa

[@lim8581]

This documentary sheds light on the complexities of life under occupation, capturing the struggles, resilience, and moral dilemmas faced by the people of Kupyansk. It's a powerful exploration of human experiences during turbulent times. Thank you for sharing this important story.

[@MiSt3300]

As a Polish person, I always learned in school about the horrors of Nazi occupation, when they came with mashine guns, and forced everyone into their houses, they tore down our national symbols. I NEVER could have imagined that something like that would happen again during my lifetime.

[@eugeneganshin2934]

bro, you're watching a propaganda film, its DW, not a small guy YT channel i've met a person from Kupyansk before and he said to me that pro-ukrainian people were relocated to Kupyansk from the westrern regions of Ukraine before the war, mayor was replaced from pro-Russian to pro-American before the war. Most population in the town was pro-Russian.

[@travelingadventurewithjoha9265]

then Learn about Ukraine's crimes against Poland where Ukrainians in 1943 killed 400K Polish people,

[@maronsailor535]

@@travelingadventurewithjoha9265 The numbers grow every time russian mention it Now it's 400k and what will be next time? 1 million?

[@maronsailor535]

@@eugeneganshin2934 such a copium

[@user-lw7vk2jw6u]

Yeah. he's probably lying about 400 thousand. It was actually something about 50 thousand people at most. Wiki says 60 thousand. Still doesn't make it better.@@maronsailor535

[@opethvtm]

Thanks for this very nice made docu. We need a lot more of these, to tell the story's behind all the different people involved in every way in the war.. Stay strong !

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for your constructive feedback! :-)

[@user-xi8uo7yo7i]

А где нибудь, видели видео как Украина 8 лет бомбила Донбасс? Убивая женщин и детей, как украинский президент сказал , что украинские дети пойдут в школу а дети Донбасса будут сидеть в подвалах, как вам это? Слава нацизму?

[@garyrea2320]

I was there on day it was liberated, we were with bravo company 1st battalion. Some of the locals came out there houses and were totally confused that foreign fighters were outside their houses armed to the teeth. That confusion quickly led to a lot of people panicking asking for a way out via green route towards Kharkiv. If I remember correctly the power and other services were still operating but it didn’t last long before shelling started not far from our position just over the main road bridge linking the two half’s of the town. Unfortunately I was hit that in a explosion near to that bridge and spent a month in hospital with eye and hearing damage. When I returned the guys had advanced to Kruhlyakivka and Sen kove. It doesn’t seem like a year ago it happened. For the non believers of me my channel has some short go pro footage of us entering the town. My unit was Bravo 2, 1st Battalion international legion. We were operating alongside the 92nd.

[@namelastname1681]

on behalf of Kharkiv region people i would like to thank you with all of my heart for your help in liberating our cities! Our local media do not spread info about your legion to avoid feeding rus propaganda (russians claim "to kill international soldiers" every time when they strike any hotel, medicine center or warehouse or stores), so please be aware that many ukrainians are not aware about foreing warriors helping us during these hard times. Thank you, Sir! you are hero for us!

[@BejukaBooka]

I am from Kharkiv, my father is from Senkove. Thank you so much brother for helping ukrainian people!

[@bearsagainstevil]

just like to say thank you from a British person , more non Ukrainians should do what you have done sorry about your eye and hearing damage,

[@valdemariv394]

Thank you for what you did!nWe had a brit in our recon platoon, great warrior very professional and a little crazy. We also participated in counteroffensive but we were more to the south, near Sviatogirsk, Yarova, Lyman.

[@nanniebb]

Thank you, you are very brave. I would go as well if I wasn't an old lady. Peace for Ukraine, Glory to the heroes

[@Snugggg]

thank you for making this. people need to see that war is complicated. survival is messy.

[@equarg]

I saw a special on 60 minuets about an older man who was a 5 year old boy when his mother was killed by the Nazi’s. He was supposed to be killed to, but he escaped that morning. Heard everyone being shot in the distance. He ended up alone, scared, desperate, and hungry. In sheer desperation he went up to SS officers asking for a bit of food before they shot him a few days later. I guess his bravado impressed the SS because they could see was circumcised, but in their cold hearts, I guess they took pity on him. They put him in a kids SS unit and carried him around like a mascot. When the end of the war was coming, they gave him to a German family and they did not say he was Jewish, and he kept that a secret. He survived the war and being so young still he was adapted out and ended up in Australia. Being an old man, he remembers vague exact details. He thinks he remembered his real name, and where he was from. 60 minuets did some research and found out exactly where he was from, what his true name was….and that his father survived the war and had surviving descendants. DNA confirmed this. Apparently he decided to go out and visit them. Close a chapter in his life that haunted him since he was 5. His two daughters were joining him……..

[@equarg]

Read another take where a young Jewish teen male survived the war…..by joining the SS Youth. It was a strange series of events, straight out of a movie almost. He was even dating a SS Youth Girl to keep up appearances. Somehow the mother pulled him to the side… and confronted him about being Jewish. In fear he confessed. She actually took pity on him and promised not to say anything because he was a nice young man. He was also lucky that it was the Americans who over ran the Hitler Youth Camp, not the Soviets. Americans realized they were just young teens and just said a few rude things and gave dirty looks. Soviets would of shot them. But the day Germany fell, he went out, saw his nightmare was over, and ripped the Jr. SS uniform he wore off. Apparently a few sympathetic Catholics helped Jews hide by turning them into Priests and Nuns. When a city was liberated by Alllies, they would rip off their garb in celebration and joy.

[@unofficialfuture3120]

Thank you for this well made documentary - it means a lot to anyone who has been there and met the wonderful people of Kupiansk - the world must support them as they face yet another russian attack to occupy.

[@krollpeter]

Russia will pay for this

[@krollpeter]

@@robertdownes793 Russia will be split in 4 different countries to avoid such things in the future.

[@amacca2085]

@@krollpeterI really doubt they will, They have nuclear weapons Russia has lasted a long time historically and I doubt it will be split into 4 countries who do you think will enforce that ? America, and NATO they are just as bad supplying weapons for death. The international community should be calling ceasefires etc but they haven’t tried once

[@ogbubba8407]

​@@amacca2085because ceasefire only benefits russia. They will build even more and stronger lines. Everybody knows that. So before they are kicked out of ukraine there will be no talk.

[@krollpeter]

@@amacca2085 Russia will not use nuclear weapons. XI told Putina clearly. And for the so called West it is actually not a bad thing, if they wear themselves out. The longer the war the poorer and weaker.

[@sammurphy3343]

Ukraines destruction of the large convoys in the first few days will never be forgotten. Very brave Ukrainians.

[@thatsaltytuna2769]

As an American I wish our government would have gave the tools to wipe the huge convoys of the map when they were in a traffic jam.

[@meilinchan7314]

It was possible, only because Russia miscalculated, and thought that Kyiv would be a pushover. Still, there are many across the world - probably 2/3 of all humans - who wish that those convoys got through.

[@thatsaltytuna2769]

@meilinchan7314 haha yea I doubt that russia is a rusty ship and it's sinking live with it.

[@czevzi]

@@meilinchan7314 Majority of humans don't care really, amongst those who do, supporting Russia is less popular.

[@mariusvanc]

@@meilinchan7314Ukraine was a corrupt garbage country with no economy and no future before russia invaded, but invading countries is not how we resolve international conflicts.

[@olgaprokopieva2692]

Ukraine is fighting for its right to be a free sovereign state. Ordinary citizens of Kupyansk showed their desire to remain free Ukrainians even if they were under Russian occupation. They demonstrated it by using means available to them. May Ukraine be free.

[@backwardthoughts1022]

no a god portion of ukraine voted for independence, including crimea which is majority ethnic russian the cia saw this is a good opportunity to seriously hurt russia so they bought off the ukraine gov and shelled the east ukraine civilians for a decade russia finally had enough moved in with 90k troops to force security treaties. zelensky signed then broke it, choosing to side with cia and have real war sacrificing 600k men so far. spoilers, cia lost and brics won, the end of usa superpower, a superpower filled with internal gun possession and no universal healthcare. they are so dead it'll make the death of rome look orderly, rational, and peaceful 🤣

[@amacca2085]

@@hnojicvery true

[@GhostImperator]

✊

[@TgamerBio5529]

⁠@@hnojic USSR? Who made the tailban the 🇺🇸 and many in the Middle East supported it. And fighting against terrorist not to annex anyone land compared to 🇷🇺. Do you know the meaning of colonialism? Are you a 🐑 or a hypocrite even both?

[@TgamerBio5529]

⁠@@amacca2085 do you support the 9/11 attack? Tell that to the victims that sufferd; what if my dad was on the plane?

[@jimc6481]

From Kentucky, USA.....our hearts are with you.....Be strong, be brave, resist the best you can, may GOD be with you!!

[@noskov5]

love USA from 🇺🇦.God Bless USA!

[@antona.4572]

Do you people at Kentucky even know where ukraine is on the world map without checking with Google?

[@SunnySydeRamsay]

Vote out your Republicans who don't want to continue providing aid to Ukraine

[@em945]

Bless everyone involved. I cannot believe this is happening. So so so sorry.

[@japanjt]

My heart goes out to everyone affected. So much pain and so many difficult choices.

[@nujuornobuono2025]

Thank you. Hello from Kherson city. ❤️

[@JustChill-zd4ib]

Your heart does not go to anyone. You pretend to care just like everyone to look good and to feel like you are a good person. You are not and you do not.

[@japanjt]

@@JustChill-zd4ib love the irony of your name.

[@harrypass1252]

Thank You for making this real life example of the devasting effects of the war in Ukraine giving us a taste of how it wss like as we watch all over the world.

[@jerseyshoredroneservices225]

This is a great documentary of a horrible situation. I don't understand the Russians but I do understand the ukrainians. They are free and independent and will remain that way.

[@ird1000]

This gripped me the whole way through like a good book. Very well made.

[@stephenfracy4258]

thank you for making this real account and letting it into the world. My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine.

[@moa3605]

Your heart should break for every innocent person who suffers. Did your heart break for Palestinian people,,, hypocrite

[@kathycaldwell7126]

@moa The world does not revolve around the Israel/Palestine conflict. As new world issues arise is it your belief that we avert our collective eyes to *one* conflict? Look, I’m not unsympathetic to what is happening there. But to the exclusion of all else?

[@kathycaldwell7126]

@@moa3605 And must we resort to ad hominem epithets when @stephen is expressing empathy? Hmmm. Methinks you may attract more to your side with honey rather than vinegar.

[@moa3605]

@@kathycaldwell7126 my point is,every human suffering ( including Ukrainian)in this world should get empathy. But when you pick a side of the conflict then clearly you and whoever supports Ukraine are hypocrites. Look at both sides of the coin

[@mich77508]

​@@moa3605anda yg munafik sok paling tau, slava ukraina 🇺🇦 from Indonesia 🇮🇩

[@ullags5321]

This is just such a good documentary! It is interesting to meet the brave people from Kupyansk and to hear about the moral dilemmas brought about by the occupation. The film resonates deeply with me as it also reflects the same moral dilemmas brought about by WW2 in Denmark (Denmark surrendered). One set of grandparents resisted and joined the freedom fighters, another set was frightened and simply sought to survive with their small children, though not cooperating. The destruction and death in Denmark was no near what Ukraine is experiencing, yet my grandparents spoke about the choices they had to make for the rest of their lives. I hope that Ukraine will be free once more and those missing will return alive. I hope that divisions can heal one day. My heart is with Ukraine and it's people, living through this nightmare ...

[@davisoaresalves5179]

This young guy at 28 minutes, is such a hero, Marchuk.

[@takingbacktheplanet]

oh, a Mathias Bohlinger production. :O that's the first time i've seen his work on DW so far. hopefully the citizens of Kupyansk don't have to relive the same terrors again...

[@gerryhouska2859]

His champagne isn't bad either.

[@monmixer]

Keep your head up girl. Love conquers all. God Bless you and yours and all Ukrainian's who suffered through this and fought to save it.

[@justadildeau]

😂 ok

[@sosmartsostupid]

I make an effort to watch these docs bc it’s important to see. It’s so heart aching. Democracy 🎉❤️‍🔥

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching!

[@pipkarulka2871]

there is no democracy in ukraine and never was

[@howarddennison5536]

If you think Ukraine is democratic, you need to think again

[@shooster5884]

@@howarddennison5536 No place is perfect, no people are perfect.. But this behaviour by Putin on these people is evil.. You heard the protesting Ukrainian, even the Russian soldiers there didn't know they were being sent to kill people and to make war.. they confirm they thought they were going on a drill..

[@MalukuPL]

Democratic when it only favors leftist

[@GilbertTV]

sometimes it's hard to contemplate that this is 2023 & this is actually happened & is still happening across Ukraine today .. Slava Ukraine

[@collinsjean2422]

Do you know we still have war going on places that media never reported. Palestine ,Yemen, and Afghanistan just ended.

[@413.]

@@collinsjean2422 you cant help those counties when they dont wanna help themselves.. they are different man

[@vkrgfan]

@@413.This is exactly how genocidal tactic works to convince others that we are different and those people don’t deserve to be treated as people.

[@myrtenuman621]

Well laid out documentary. How sad are those circumstances. Thank you for shining a light on this.

[@patrickbridgeman6776]

Documentary is very good brave ladies and men, lives destroyed, pitting neighbour against neighbour, work with some Ukrainian people in my country hope they find peace and freedom soon.

[@igman1980]

The scars will remain for centuries.... same as Yugoslavia war 🤕 Peace to all ❤‍🩹

[@AdventureSam]

Pa da🇧🇦

[@jansonad]

thanks for the much needed documentary!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@IvanCryptoslav]

Very powerful. These stories are real journalism.

[@inzhener2007]

Спасибо за документирование событий.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to comment. We kindly ask our viewers to comment on our channel in English so that we can answer questions and encourage dialogue. Thank you and all the best, The DW Documentary Team

[@liza_zeleniuk]

The awareness is important. Thank you.

[@erniescrabshack]

Fantastic reporting

[@user-ch9fh3hd9r]

Thanks for your work

[@user-fw9nk1vc7s]

That's a powerful documentary. Please share. and THANK YOU DW for that!

[@HistoryonYouTube]

I was in Kupiansk last November, after it was liberated. It looked much emptier then that is shown in much of this film. More shocking are other towns in the area where next to nobody now lives.

[@vahuid]

Good work on the documentary.

[@stevedrane2364]

Thank you . . Very insightful.

[@TrinoUNO]

Video to the top!

[@MikeSimpson1]

This doc should win some awards. Thank you

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching!

[@misdrevenous]

DW documentaries are always well made! They even put a lot of effort in putting english naration on their interviews!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback!

[@raymondcyq]

Disinformation

[@AJ-et3vf]

Great video. Thank you

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching!

[@michaelmcbee2812]

Wonderful video Anna! I would love to visit soon! 💛💙

[@durbdeedurb]

Glory to Ukraine and Glory to the Heroes! Please talk, share, and call your representatives to tell them of your support for what they are providing to Ukraine. Tell your friends and family to do the same.

[@rafomic4210]

Slava serbiji

[@johnlenin830]

The Germans know everything about this: first they themselves were occupiers for 7 years, and now they have been living under occupation for 78 years.

[@yoshitakafukuda9885]

The Russians beat them. Then Ukrainians beat them. Poor people caught in the middle of thugs.

[@harishsrinivasan-rf3gt]

Can we go to africa how america,france,england destroy africa and middle east till now

[@rarirover44]

😂😂 No

[@vladyslavr5286]

This documentary will touch people worldwide and thank you for that. "Everyone should see what is happening so russians would not be able to repeat the crimes against humanity again". Amen

[@mikeypiros6647]

SNOW FLAKE....

[@shooster5884]

@@mikeypiros6647 That's you.. Cowardly bot.. I bet you would be the first to crumble under the threat and fear these people were subjected to..

[@AndreiLop]

Thank you 🙏

[@CobraF1]

Great documentary by the venerable Mathias Bolinger! It seems he's not only a great reporter that I have now watched countless times here on DW, but also a superb film maker! The film has a very unique perspective and story.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and for your constructive feedback! :-)

[@dumdeedums8816]

Heartbreaking.

[@MeeesterBond17]

​@@hnojic Where were you when London and New York hosted the largest anti-war protests in history, in 2003?

[@MeeesterBond17]

@@hnojic Good. So you'll know there was widespread condemnation of that conflict, as there is now for Russia. Why the snarky quips at someone who might have been metres away from you in 2003?

[@MeeesterBond17]

@@hnojic "Don't follow the crowd" says the guy who attended a protest hundreds of thousands strong. 🤔 Can you see the problem here? Or is a war of invasion only bad when you say so?

[@ambition112]

2:18: 🔴 The town of Kupians is being overrun by Russian forces, causing panic and disbelief among the citizens. 8:57: 😢 The speaker describes the chaos and violence during the occupation of their town by Russian troops. 15:09: 🔑 The narrator describes their experiences in prison and the challenges faced during the conflict in Ukraine. 26:11: 🇺🇦 A group of people in Ukraine fought against the Russian occupation and spread awareness through posters and gathering intelligence on Russian troops. 29:17: 😢 The narrator reflects on the loss of patriotism during war and the oppressive tactics used by the Russian Armed Forces in the Hakib region. 36:40: 😔 The speaker reflects on the impact of the war and expresses dissatisfaction with certain individuals in power. Recap by Tammy AI

[@sviat9729]

It was nice of you to do this chronological recap. Small correction that the region is Kharkiv, not Hakib.

[@danamoradi6031]

Great documentary

[@thed.z.a.4658]

I was really stoked to see the skating at the end where the dude was trying the front big

[@leespup]

I was there first day of war as a Ukrainian that lived in Brooklyn NY most of my life, the horrors of war still haunt me, can't sleep most nights. I spent 3 years teaching English in Ukraine. I left end of March. GOD BLESS UKRAINE 🇺🇦!

[@arzecide1900]

I just wanna know is your dog ok

[@leespup]

@arzecide1900 Yes, I took a backpack, and my dog. Thank you! I'm wouldn't ever leave a pet behind!

[@stephenhill545]

I would like to teach English in ukraine, do something good. Do you know a place to teach?

[@atlasgnawazen]

I like the teacher when he was complaining about the Russian propaganda in the newly arrived textbooks and said: “that’s when my teaching job ended.”

[@stephenhill545]

True courage.

[@nigelspencer6546]

Thankyou.

[@shooster5884]

Thank you for showing this documentary. It is important for what Putin's regime are doing in Ukraine, how it affects ordinary people to be occupied by them. My thoughts to all of them and those waiting for those kidnapped. I wonder how the mother who became a teacher for the Russians explained that to her son in the Ukrainian army... though it is not my place to judge anyone there and their decisions from the safety of my country. None of us know how we would act in such a situation.. only those involved have that right.

[@stephenhill545]

Russians talking about taking Ukraines resources in a casual way. What is wrong with them?

[@johnbwill]

I am not 100% clear on why - but I have a strong emotional response to this. Even though liberated' - so many of this towns residents have decades of struggle ahead of them in re-building and mourning. Places like Kupyansk are repositories of evidence for all the war crimes commited upon their people. Slava Ukraine.

[@mxkzim6398]

if you didnt know, ukrainians fully evacuated this settlement/city about 10 days agu cuz russians started a new storming operation. This whole town is empty and destroyed rn.

[@rorychivers8769]

@@mxkzim6398 Yes, they're not exactly making it very difficult for us to want to kill them all, are they

[@natureblank1401]

​@@mxkzim6398You forgot to mention the reason for its destruction: Ukraine turned it into a fortress, just like many other Ukrainian cities that were razed for the same reason

[@billybigballs5776]

@@natureblank1401sosi Zalupu parashnik.

[@Hello-oe7wg]

where are they gonna be fighting then? outside the city? the frontline is literally 5km ahead@@natureblank1401

[@arbaz79]

DW's investigative journalism straight from the Battlefield is commendable 👏.

[@sigieric]

So Sad may peace prevail

[@sigieric]

@@hnojic Kenya 🇰🇪

[@sigieric]

@@hnojic sure I can't imagine what they went through

[@jessicaraquelmorenochu4168]

Thanks

[@scottastell9415]

Thankyou for opening the eyes of the world.

[@victormichael4580]

May the lord heal Ukraine and give them victory over Russia. I was born immediately after the Biafra war in south east Nigeria. I saw devastation of community even as a little boy. We played with bullet shells, we dug up grenades and explosives. I saw my father tell the story of the war. I realize in war everything happens. I pray the war end soon.

[@TranNguyenVungLay]

Have you ever seen GOD heal the wounds of war in this world? NOTHING ! Only the will of the ruled nation can defeat the aggressor. If GOD exists, he must stop wars when they first start.

[@monsieurgrigny]

A fine and powerful documentary with so much original footage. Such brave individuals, such terrible choice to make.

[@user-ib3mh7su8h]

Thank you DW

[@scottweidt9144]

As an American who grew up during the cold war, doing nuclear attack drills in school.. this makes me so angry at Russia

[@johnners911]

That makes total sense dude. Russia has never made a nuclear attack on anyone, yet your nation has killed and maimed how many milions of innocents? But yeah, you get get angry with Russia. Propaganda is such a wonderful and cruel device.

[@samudrasyarif6828]

AND WE ANGRY AT THE US AND HER COUNTRY ALLIES WHO DESTROY ASIA AND AFRICA. AND IF WE HAVE SAME WEAPON INDUSTRIAL WE ALL COUNTRY IN THE ASIA AND AFRICA WILL DECLARE WAR TO THE US AND HER ALIANCE WHO ALREADY DESTROY OUR COUNTRY MANY DECADE AND HUNDRED OF YEAR

[@recifebra3]

what a great documentary!! can't believe how bad war is and how much life just stops and is still happening today.

[@amerphillips]

Amazing story

[@DonnaMcFadden]

Excellent documentary!! Very difficult to watch but it should be seen by all freedom loving countries. It lt paints a very sharp portrait of the alternative! I will post this because Ukraine needs enthusiastic support not just to win the war but to thrive! Victory will be Ukraine's!❤🇺🇦🇨🇦❤

[@johndewey6358]

So many stories remain untold. I wish peace for the wonderful people of Ukraine who are victimized by Putin. Slava Ukraini ❤ from Iran

[@christopersambeli2823]

Glory to Russia

[@luisrodrigues2409]

​@@christopersambeli2823 Ruzzia is hell and death!

[@TanksBradley-bf8nt]

You are NOT Iran. but Yankee and Limey poo

[@quadrosilom]

Viva Putin 🎉🎉🎉

[@LasseEklof]

@@hnojic If you count the US back to the 18th century, why don't you also count Russia back to the 18th century. Have you forgotten all the years of war Russia had with Sweden during the 18th century (mostly on non-Russian soil).

[@CapybaraKingUa]

Thanks for brining attention to Ukraine and the war situation.

[@Sara-pq6tm]

18:27 Poor ginger baby😢 He's missing his owners😢

[@JackBQuick79]

Most hard hitting doc i have seen this year. From an American perspective Ukrainians are a brave and proud people and id gladly be their neighbor. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇸🇺🇦💙💛🔱 " like a raindrop beating into a waterfall". I don't think ill ever forget this statement.

[@JackBQuick79]

@@lc3853 from what I can tell they are the type of people that when shtf, for the most part come together and figure it out. That's more than I can say for most of Americans these days. Too worried about politics and difference of opinion to help a neighbor out.

[@HELESPONTify]

Vietnam,Irak,Srj,Afghan perspective???

[@Alfsrapedungeon]

0/ heil zelensky yeah??

[@idee7896]

My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine 🇺🇦.

[@juhyunkim3898]

pray for all wounded soilder

[@daviddavis8723]

During the counter offensive to retake occupied lands the words onward forward to kupiansk were heard repeatedly. Ukraine never forgets their own.

[@paulstekala7243]

You may be right about that as they sure didn't forget about Major Hennadiy Matsehora

[@lonelysail906]

Glory to brave nations of Ukraine!🇺🇦🇰🇿

[@paulscottfilms]

More garbage from DW to allow TV watchers like you to dream that the West and Germany in particular are not on the greatest losing streak of their entire history

[@mmm-mq3zr]

Even the Nazi Azov Battalion?

[@unbelievable9750]

Let’s go Putin

[@ShopStylebyme]

@@unbelievable9750 damn you are in everybody’s comments. You are either a bot 🤖 or moron .

[@Cactus_hug]

Nations ? Plural?

[@jlggps]

Thank you to all the brave defenders, medical and humanitarian workers, and supporters of Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom. It's crucial that we spread the truth and counter the invaders' lies and disinformation. Let's encourage others to stand with Ukraine and thank their representatives for their support and urge them to keep standing with Ukraine. Together, we can make a difference. Glory to Ukraine and Glory to the Heroes!

[@celestesenters1052]

‘Life has shown us who is who’

[@kdgckg]

That’s funny, the first thing I thought of seeing that banner go up, was Molotov cocktail…❤

[@EzEcro]

Same and maybe even worse happened in Croatia and Bosnia during the 90' So now you know how we felt and we know how you feel in Ukraine, we call the serbs " little russians" now you know why

[@tracylynch2054]

@EzEcro now you can read about the heroic mission of 79 Ukrainian pacifiers in Bosnia during those days when the rest of the NATO countries gave up

[@oSpecialx]

My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine

[@igorsergeev6716]

38:47 the story of Bohdan and the likes deserves a separate documentary. I wonder how he fled Ukraine in the end?

[@giostechnologygiovannyv.ri489]

41:00 that girl made me cry 😭 :'((

[@truthbud]

The overwhelming amоunt of approving and cheering соmments by ordinary Russians in response to videos about the atrocities committed against civilians and prisoners of war in Ukraine were equally as shocking to Ukrainians as the war itself. We somehow became accustomed to the war, but the realization of who we have been living alongside all this time without even knowing it is still horrifying. Those bаrbаric crеаtures referred to themselves as our brоthеrs. Just imagine what they would do to you, who they саІІ their enemies, if given the chance. Engaging in negotiations with Russia is lіkе negotiating with ЕbоІа vіrus. That's why any peace agreement lacking a clear victory for Ukraine is nothing but a temporary сеаsеfire.

[@backwardthoughts1022]

be quiet psychotic

[@Frazv]

absolutely true

[@evaburnz]

Putin's Russia should be annihilated. It is a disease on civil and progressive society. -from a 41y.o Australian who now has fierce hatred for Russia.

[@paulscottfilms]

More garbage from DW to allow TV watchers like you to dream that the West and Germany in particular are not on the greatest losing streak of their entire history

[@Dawn_Raider]

True!

[@PamelasLas]

Thank you for showing the truth!

[@lemachro]

Too cold there. I would try really hard go to a warmer place.

[@lighterudite]

Irrelevant but what is the ambience music that plays from 0:00 to 2:55?

[@bassamp]

You can also see the DW documentary from 6 years ago - Women and the Azov battalion in Kyiv, Ukraine | DW Documentary :)

[@user-vb1hy3li1h]

I assume the mayor and others were killed and never found - tortured to death. I wish the Documentary had gone into that - the murders or disappearances - feels incomplete without it. Leaves more questions than answers. White washes some of the horrors which are not as visible as Bucha but still there only hinted at

[@rorychivers8769]

It is very deliberate. Anyone with two brain cells to rub together watching the documentary will come to the same conclusion, absent any physical damning evidence or Russian admission of guilt, but you can't just flat out declare a non-provable event to have happened, without losing credibility. It's essentially the best anyone can do, until Russia is defeated a and the war crimes investigations begin.

[@edwardfowle2404]

I am an American who had visited Russia as a young man in the mid 90's, but have never been to Ukraine. At that time I felt empathy for the Russian's whom I thought wanted t

[@wokeaf1337]

24. february 2022 - we all were hearing "Hell March" from red alert ...2 months later we were hearing "Oh No" from capone

[@greisonk3]

It's stories like this that makes me feel resolute in the actions that my country the united states continues to support and defend the great people of Ukraine. We hope for a day when Russia and Ukraine can live peacefully without war and hardship. Until then, the fight for survival must continue. Slava Ukraini, may god continue to bless and protect Ukraine.🇺🇦🇺🇸

[@user-dx5xl1ei7q]

Они отреклись от бога .

[@tdov7622]

No peace with russian terrorists

[@MeeesterBond17]

​@@user-dx5xl1ei7q "Не убивай."

[@infinitestare]

40:48 she said "this war - it is ..... THE MOST painful one", not "has been so so much more painful" Why would you mis-translate and water down such a sensitive moment for this person in tears?

[@YLMDA]

Fear and loyalty,..

[@elmaterwilliams2909]

Be of good courage no evils go unpunished, weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning. Every blood that is shed is for Urraine freedom

[@dogvip7688]

Ridiculous invasion and Russian soldiers are deplorable.

[@icetealover1158]

Hard to believe this bs is happening in the 21st century. lm so thankful l was born in Canada l cant fathom what these people are going through.every time I feel my life is tough l just watch something like this and realize life could b so much worse.

[@Madrinamadrina_101]

So sad 😭

[@belleshelle]

Occupation is worse than the frontlines 😔

[@Fin4L6are]

Good doc

[@paulscottfilms]

More garbage from DW to allow TV watchers to dream that the West and Germany in particular are not on the greatest losing streak of their entire history

[@give_me_my_nick_back]

Thumbs up DW, you are probably the last public TV to fulfill the public broadcast mission instead of being a corrupt political tool like in most of Europe and the world

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching, we are happy to hear you enjoy our content:)

[@khederkhedro5838]

Don't you think the amount of advertisement is way too much? I had to go through around 10 ads for a 42 minute video.

[@Cavebabyberserker]

This is a propaganda machine

[@Clientchuk]

Buy Premium account. No ads at all.

[@DUBSTEP_KUSH305]

HAPPY LOVELY INDEPENDENCE DAY UKRAINE GLORY TO 🇺🇦 AND THE HEROES OF UKRAINE❤ 🇯🇲!! Stay strong Ukrainian people ❤

[@backwardthoughts1022]

baby jesus bless the most corrupt nation in Europe. amen.

[@Alfsrapedungeon]

0/ heil zelensky yeah??

[@Bangwax]

DUBSTEP ISNT MUSIC

[@user-pb9qz8lm8y]

当我看到乌克兰军队进入库皮扬斯克时，我的眼睛湿润了。 胜利属于乌克兰。

[@albeback5234]

your eyes lol 😵