Two years later, Ukrainian survivor recounts Russia’s 28-day ordeal

Chernihiv, Ukraine – Two years after Russia’s armed forces captured the small village of Yahidne in Ukraine’s Chernihiv Oblast, Ivan still feels lucky to have survived.

Along with 366 locals, including women, children, and the elderly, he was detained by Russian soldiers in a school basement for 26 days in March 2022.

The villagers never thought of Yahidne as a strategic location for Russian forces. They did not expect to be targeted.

When they began hearing the sound of explosions in surrounding areas, they feared the worst.

On March 3, the peace of this small community was shattered when Russian military vehicles entered the village in a long column.