When Russian troops shelled Posad-Pokrowske in 2022, nearly all of its 2,400 residents fled, leaving behind a village in ruins. Since the end of 2022, FUNKE war reporter Jan Jessen has been following the returnees and their struggle to restore a sense of normalcy.

This episode of "In Crisis Mode" focuses on Viktor, who would never leave his village; Iryna, who continues to grow tomatoes and cucumbers despite living in a tiny house next to a destroyed shell of a building; and Oleh, who, through his initiative "More Action, Fewer Words," installs water pipes and builds parks.

It explores funerals, rumors of corruption, and dreams for the future—and addresses the pressing question: can Posad-Pokrowske truly become a home again?

Guests and voices in this episode:

– Oleh Dolholutskyi, founder of "More Action, Fewer Words"

– Viktor, 77, returnee

– Iryna, 72, returnee

– Pastor Viktor Kravchuk

– Funeral chants

Chapter Overview:

1 | A Village at War – Jan’s Return to Posad-Pokrowske

How a frontline village was nearly wiped out and why Jan has been reporting from there repeatedly since 2022.

2 | "I Will Never Betray My Land" – Viktor

A 77-year-old returnee demonstrates the deep attachment of the older generation to their homeland.

3 | "Living in Constant Fear of Having to Flee Again" – Iryna

A widow navigating life between a tiny house, a destroyed shell of a building, and a small greenhouse.

4 | "Maybe a Cinema, Maybe a Park" – Oleh

The village volunteer shares his vision and the harsh realities of rebuilding.

5 | Faith, Rumors, and Funerals – The Pastor

The role of the church, corruption rumors, and the significance of being buried in one’s own village.

6 | Turning Point or Stagnation? – Jan’s Conclusion

Why Posad-Pokrowske symbolizes the reconstruction of the whole of Ukraine and what the future might hold.

Questions, criticism, suggestions?

Write to us at: krisenmodus@funkemedien.de

Subscribe Now

Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Deezer | YouTube

📅 New Episodes

Every two weeks, on Wednesdays.

"In Crisis Mode" is a podcast by the FUNKE Mediengruppe