大象传媒

Back in February, when Russian forces began their invasion of Ukraine, their tanks were heading towards Kyiv. The Russians retreated before making it to the centre of the city, but left devastation in every area that had been fought over in those weeks. Buildings everywhere had been damaged or destroyed, and tens of thousands of residents had fled. But now, residents of the Ukrainian capital are seeing a return of life.

In a caf茅 in Kyiv, the 大象传媒鈥檚 correspondent Joe Inwood met up with some of those now living and working in the city to hear how it is changing and recovering, even though the war continues in other parts of the country.

The District One Foundation is a 1000-strong team of volunteers dedicated to helping restore damaged homes, schools and hospitals, and give whatever support they can to people returning to live in the city. The work is challenging, but they say it鈥檚 energised them and given them a sense of great positivity. They add that sometimes the thing people need the most is simply a hug.

In another discussion, young people from the creative world, two photographers and an artist, describe how their day to day work has changed, but their art can be put to essential use on social media and beyond, informing the rest of the world about the war and how life is in Ukraine as time goes on.

(Photo: Andrii, Dana, Marie and Andrii talk to our correspondent Joe Inwood about life in Kyiv. Credit: 大象传媒)