As global governments urge their citizens to leave Ukraine amid rising Russia-Ukraine tensions, residents near Kharkiv — just 30 miles from the Russian border — are balancing resilience with apprehension. 🌍 CGTN’s interviews reveal a community caught between hope and fear.
🧑🌾 \"Life goes on here, but our eyes are on the news,\" said one local farmer, reflecting a common sentiment. Others questioned the practicality of foreign evacuation orders: \"If they tell people to leave, where do they go? This is our home.\" 🏠
While some admitted anxiety over escalating rhetoric, many emphasized their determination to stay. A college student told reporters: \"We’ve lived with uncertainty for years. Leaving isn’t an option for most of us.\" 💪
Experts note that Kharkiv’s proximity to the border makes it a symbolic focal point, though daily routines remain largely unchanged. Markets bustle, and cafes stay open — but conversations now linger on geopolitics. ☕️🗞️
