Satellite imagery has indicated that the village of Verkhnya Krynytsya, located in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine, has been occupied by Russian forces since the early days of the full-scale invasion that began in February 2022. The village, which had a population of over a thousand residents at the start of the invasion, faced significant changes as Russian military activities intensified.
Recent satellite images revealed a well-used path leading to a once-occupied childhood home in the village. This path first appeared in the summer of 2022, shortly after the Russian occupation commenced. Subsequent images showed the path’s reemergence, with evidence of vehicle use in January 2023, raising questions about its usage during a time of conflict.
Verkhnya Krynytsya had previously been a peaceful, small community known for its proximity to the Kakhovka reservoir, which was a local recreational site. However, following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023, the area experienced devastating floods, further complicating the situation for any remaining residents.
Attempts to contact locals for firsthand accounts of the current conditions in Verkhnya Krynytsya have been met with challenges, as many have fled the area. Those who remain are hesitant to speak due to the lawless environment under occupation. Reports indicate that Russian soldiers have started to occupy vacant houses in the village, a trend seen in other regions of Ukraine affected by the war.
The most recent analysis from a military spokesperson suggested it is highly likely that the property has been utilized by Russian troops. Since the village remains under occupation, the fate of the property and its previous inhabitants remains unclear, suggesting a broader narrative of displacement and military strategy in the ongoing conflict.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gj7p96nd0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss