Agriculture, a lifeline for Ukrainians in areas devastated by the Russian occupation

Agriculture becomes a lifeline for the inhabitants of territories devastated by the Russian occupation, where the loss of jobs and the presence of landmines that persist three years after their liberation by Ukraine are countered by an initiative that provides people with greenhouses and logistical support to cultivate and sell their produce and face the uncertain future. "I recently couldn't imagine knowing so much about growing cucumbers and tomatoes," says Meriam Yol, former video producer and now director of the NGO "Volonterska" in the northeastern city of Kharkiv. Yol is behind the counter of a small store in "Warehouse Seven," a popular spot among the city's youth. On the counter are fresh vegetables, cheeses, and other products, such as salt mixed with basil, dill, and onion. In addition to being high-quality agricultural products, their uniqueness lies in coming from areas that were occupied by Russian forces at the beginning of the invasion and liberated during a ...