Left in Ruins: The Struggle for Compensation in Pisky

In the war-torn village of Pisky near Donetsk, former residents like Maria Seryogova hope for compensation from Russian authorities after their homes were reduced to rubble. As conflict rages on since 2014, rebuilding lives remains uncertain amidst ongoing political tensions and widespread destruction.

A ruined Soviet-era apartment block in Pisky, a village near Donetsk, stands as a testament to the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine. Former residents like Maria Seryogova return to document the destruction and seek compensation from Russian authorities as their homes lie in ruins.

The landscape of Pisky tells the story of a prolonged conflict that began in 2014, when a Russia-friendly president was removed from power in Ukraine's Maidan Revolution. Russia annexed Crimea, and separatist forces backed by Moscow launched an insurgency. The once-thriving Pisky has seen its population dwindle and buildings reduced to ruin.

For former residents like Yevgeniy, the hope of returning to Pisky seems distant as they face flattened homes and damaged lives. With memories of fierce fighting, they question the feasibility of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine that could restore their village.