“Remember: Neither Russians Nor Belarusians Do Not Shaking Hands”: The Stories of Occupation of Yurivka Village, Chernihiv Region

(record and publication by O. Vorobiei)

Abstract

The purpose of the publication is to introduce into scientific circulation and the modern information space in general oral history materials collected during the interview of eyewitnesses to the events of the Russia’s war against Ukraine, in particular, the occupation of populated areas of the Chernihiv region during February 24 — April 2, 2022.

To achieve the goal, the method of interviewing witnesses was used activities of the occupiers in the village of Yurivka, Chernihiv district, Chernihiv region.

The result of the research was a complete recording of the memories of four respondents regarding the peculiarities of the behavior of the Russian invaders and the survival strategies of the local population in new hostile conditions. Among the mentioned strategies are the return of the practice of cooking in a traditional oven, the use of stoves for heating homes, the use of grain harvested for poultry for the purpose of making bread, etc. Evidence of physical violence against local men (mainly beatings), as well as mass looting by the occupiers, was recorded. From the words of the informants, information about the organization of life in the cellars in the first days of the offensive of enemy troops, methods of neighborly mutual aid, as well as family celebrations in the conditions of active hostilities, was recorded. The practical significance of the collected materials lies in the formation of a diverse source base on the Russo-Ukrainian war in general and the occupation of Ukrainian territory in particular.