Kherson resident walks six kilometers to escape six months of isolation

Vasyl Zaichenko, an 84-year-old resident of Kherson, completed a six-kilometer walk to reach a safer zone. He began the journey with only a torch and a phone charger.

The man had lived in Kherson for 60 years. He and his wife built their family home, planted an orchard, and cultivated flowers on their land. For the past six months, Zaichenko remained in the city while others evacuated.

According to the Kherson City Military Administration, the resident lived in near-total isolation during this period. He relied on humanitarian aid delivered by drones. Zaichenko cited intense attacks and a lack of heating as primary reasons for staying. He noted that winter temperatures remained around +8°C.

"The attacks became intense, and there was no heating. In winter the temperature was around +8°C. Everyone was evacuated, but I chose to stay. I lived on what I grew in the garden," Zaichenko said.

He decided to evacuate after one and a half hours of walking to reach the designated safe area. Volunteers met him upon his arrival. His daughter and grandson subsequently picked him up from a transit center.

Zaichenko will now reside with his family in Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. He is scheduled to celebrate his 85th birthday on 22 November. The resident stated his primary wish is for victory and a return to his home.

The city administration urged other residents in dangerous areas of Kherson to leave promptly. "This story once again shows how important it is not to delay evacuation. We urge people living in dangerous areas of Kherson to leave in good time while they still can," the administration stressed.