***

Not everyone will like this text. Read - or skim. But I cannot remain silent.

— I continue to believe that Kharkov is the best city on earth.

— I don’t want to live “in Ukraine.” I want to live in Ukrainian Kharkov.

“Today, despite daily shelling, it looks better than most cities in its northeastern neighbor.

“To commit such a bloodthirsty crime against Ukraine and my beloved city is a huge sin.

There is no justification for war. There are no excuses for the pain we have experienced and continue to experience.

— I went without expectations: I heard so many things - “he’s different”, “there are no people there”, etc.

- Yes, there are much fewer people... I am ashamed of the previous irritation in the queues at the cash registers. What I would give to stand in line for coffee or in traffic again.

How I would like to disappear again into the past bustle of the city.

“Unfortunately, the happiness and joy of returning home could not outweigh the pain for him.

— At the sight of familiar destroyed buildings, nausea sets in.

“I remember walking around Kharkov and how I admired it.

He was unapproachable, self-confident and beautiful.

Now I walk along the same streets - and he is still beautiful, but wounded. His confidence and fighting spirit were undermined. And yet he accepts me with tenderness and love like never before. It’s as if he’s saying: “Tanya, I’m glad to see you. You have grown so much and become strong. I remember that girl who walked along my streets with delight - how you have changed. You see, I'm different too. Well, don't cry, honey. I can handle it."

“I also got lost in familiar streets and was delighted to discover unprecedented courtyards and new works by Hamlet. And my pedometer rejoiced.

— For me, Kharkov is not only people. This is the city itself - its architecture, history and atmosphere.

I was used to spending a lot of time alone, and I shared it with the city. Now he shares his loneliness with me.

It's deep, heartfelt - and painful.

And you understand that there is no way to influence this now.

“I feel: even though I have changed, I still feel just as good with him.” Relations with Kharkov cannot be “outgrown.” You can either let it go or continue to dream about it.

“The indifference of the locals scares me.” Nobody responds to air raid alarms.

I myself stood with my mouth open, looking at the flying suicide bomb, until passers-by didn’t even raise their heads.

When I shared my impressions with a friend, he said: “Well, so what? He flew straight and didn’t fall. Why pay attention? People are tired of being endlessly afraid.”

— Kharkov humor has been preserved—it’s just become even darker.

“Nowhere do I sleep as soundly as at home.”

— The most beautiful sunrises and sunsets are in Kharkov.

— After these days in Kharkov, I began to trust myself and the Universe more.

Everything is the will of God. It will be as it should be.

Dear, beautiful Kharkov - and you, residents of the city - I never cease to admire your strength and desire to work for the good of the city and the country.

Thank you for this meeting, for this time, for safety, for new emotions and impressions.

⠀

Kharkov.

The place is made of concrete.

Try, unbreakable.

Once upon a time in my heart.

⠀

See you!

(September 2025)