In the heart of Ukraine's Donetsk region, the city of Sloviansk stands as a testament to resilience. This is where the last functioning maternity ward in Ukrainian-controlled Donetsk operates, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos. The hospital's corridors are filled with the cries of newborns, a stark contrast to the sounds of war outside.

    The town has been under constant threat since 2014, when Russian-backed separatists briefly took control. Today, it's a shadow of its former self, with many residents determined to stay despite the dangers. The town's once-thriving salt mines and mud bath spas are now overshadowed by the constant threat of Russian assaults.

    Anastasia, a young mother, cradles her newborn daughter. She's chosen to stay in Sloviansk, where her entire family lives. She's aware of the risks but believes it's better to be at home than to flee to an uncertain future. Her children are too young to understand the daily air raid sirens, but she hopes for a peaceful future for them.

    The war has changed many things, including the loyalties of the people. Once, some Ukrainians in the eastern part of the country felt closer to Russia. But the full-scale war has shifted these allegiances. Dr. Valentina Hlushchenko, a hospital staff member, recalls the pain of 2014, when families were torn apart by differing loyalties. Now, the topic is off-limits, as everyone tries to live their lives amidst the chaos.

    The hospital director, Volodymyr Ivanenko, is determined to keep the maternity ward running. Despite missile strikes and power outages, the staff operates at 90% capacity. They've seen the horrors of war firsthand, treating civilians injured in attacks. Yet, they persist, seeing their work as a duty to their country and their people.

    Khrystyna Deshchenko, heavily pregnant, sits in the hospital hallway with her husband. They're from nearby Kramatorsk, where Russian missile strikes have been frequent. They plan to move to a safer place once their child is born, fearing for the future of Donetsk province. Valentyn Deshchenko, Khrystyna's husband, expresses his worries about the safety of their first child and the uncertain future ahead.

    Despite the war, life goes on in Sloviansk. Children play in the town hall's playground, their laughter a stark contrast to the war-torn surroundings. Olena Hunchenko, a mother, holds her 1-year-old daughter's hand, explaining the dangers of living in Sloviansk. She's determined to stay, but knows they'll leave if the Russians ever capture the town.

    Dmytro Kluchnikov, a father, watches his son play. He left briefly in 2022 but returned, finding it difficult to adapt to life elsewhere. He's angry about the Russian attacks, especially the loss of innocent lives. He's determined to stay in Sloviansk, but knows they'll leave if the Russians ever take control.

    The future of Sloviansk is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the people of this town are resilient. They've faced years of war, loss, and uncertainty, but they continue to hope for a better future. The maternity ward stands as a symbol of this hope, a place where new life begins amidst the chaos of war. The people of Sloviansk are determined to keep it running, no matter what the future holds.

RUSSIAN FORCES OCCUPATION

The Last Stand of a Ukrainian Maternity Ward

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