Thu Mar 13 12:56:44 UTC 2025: ## Borodyanka: A Year After the Bombing, Reconstruction Stalls Amidst Trauma and Corruption

**Borodyanka, Ukraine** – A year and a half after a devastating Russian attack, the town of Borodyanka remains scarred, both physically and emotionally. The slow pace of reconstruction, coupled with pervasive corruption, is compounding the suffering of residents still grappling with the aftermath of the invasion.

In March 2022, a Russian airstrike levelled a significant portion of Borodyanka, killing at least 300 civilians. Mariya Vasylenko, an 80-year-old resident, witnessed the bombing firsthand, losing her daughter and son-in-law in the rubble. She and her neighbours recount scenes of unimaginable horror, with Russian soldiers subsequently occupying homes, looting possessions, and leaving behind destruction. Amnesty International has classified the bombings as war crimes.

While some buildings have been repaired, many remain damaged or untouched. Residents cite endemic corruption and the politically motivated dismissal and reinstatement of the community head, Oleksander Sakharuk, as major obstacles to the reconstruction process. A contract to restore one apartment building was cancelled due to alleged corruption within the construction company. This delay, along with bureaucratic hurdles like restoring destroyed property documents, adds to the residents’ struggles.

The emotional toll is equally devastating. Vasylenko’s granddaughter, Milena, deeply traumatized by the loss of her parents, struggles to cope. Many residents are living in temporary housing, facing ongoing hardship and uncertainty. The slow pace of reconstruction and bureaucratic red tape have left many feeling abandoned and hopeless, their lives lingering in a state of limbo. The psychological wounds run deep, leaving many unable to rebuild their lives as they continue to grapple with the horrors they experienced.

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