In early 2025, Mykhayilyna Skoryk-Shkarivska, the deputy mayor of Bucha in Ukraine, found herself in the midst of a terrifying situation as Russia invaded the country. Bucha quickly became the epicenter of the Russian invasion, with horrific crimes against humanity taking place. Mass murder, rape, torture, and summary executions were employed as tactics against civilians in the city, leaving hundreds of people dead. Bodies were found with their hands tied and blindfolded, strewn across the streets and parks of Bucha, shocking the world with the brutality of the Russian invasion.
Residents of Bucha were forced to flee or hide in basements and garages as the Russian forces took over the city. Many people were not lucky enough to escape, facing horrific fates at the hands of the Russian soldiers. Mykhayilyna Skoryk-Shkarivska, as deputy mayor, took on the heartbreaking task of trying to identify and bury the victims of the massacre. She describes the difficulty of negotiating with the mothers of the victims, as they needed to personally identify their dead children in order to give them a proper burial. The photos of the decaying remains of the victims serve as formal documentation for future cases against the Russian soldiers and commanders at the International Criminal Court.
After the Ukrainian defense forces were able to repel the Russians and liberate Bucha in March 2022, the full extent of the atrocities committed by the Russian forces became apparent. Mykhayilyna Skoryk-Shkarivska describes the horrific scenes she witnessed as she tried to help the people of Bucha piece their lives back together. The burned-out buildings and bombed-out cultural center serve as daily reminders of the horrors that unfolded in the city. Skoryk-Shkarivska issues a warning to the world, emphasizing that the level of cruelty displayed by the Russian forces in Bucha was unprecedented in Ukraine and must be stopped to prevent similar atrocities from occurring elsewhere in Europe.
The ordeal in Bucha serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war and the lasting trauma it leaves on the survivors. As the people of Bucha attempt to rebuild their lives and communities, they are haunted by the memories of the atrocities they witnessed and endured. Mykhayilyna Skoryk-Shkarivska’s efforts to provide closure for the families of the victims and seek justice for the crimes committed in Bucha demonstrate the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The world must not forget the horrors of Bucha and must work to prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future, holding those responsible for war crimes to account.
The events in Bucha highlight the urgent need for international cooperation and action to prevent further atrocities from occurring. The brutality of the Russian invasion and the crimes committed against civilians serve as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting human rights and upholding justice in times of conflict. Mykhayilyna Skoryk-Shkarivska’s efforts to document and seek justice for the victims of the Bucha massacre serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. The world must stand in solidarity with the people of Bucha and ensure that those responsible for the atrocities are held accountable for their actions, to prevent such horrors from happening again in the future.
