3 Years Since Kherson's Liberation
Today, Kherson marks the third anniversary of its liberation from Russian occupation. It’s a day forever engraved in the memory of every Kherson resident, a moment of justice and fairness, a step toward victory and hope for a better future.
The highest price in human life was paid for Kherson’s freedom. Yet the city remains under constant threat and terror. There has been relentless aerial bombardment and repeated attempts to reoccupy the city. Russian FPV drones now hunt civilians across its streets, and countless lives have been lost.
Despite everything, the people of Kherson still believe in justice. They believe the world will hear them, understand what is happening to their beloved city, and see its wounds.
To mark the third anniversary of Kherson’s liberation, we are sharing stories of the city that we have collected over the past three years. We want people to see the resilience, strength, and determination of the people of Kherson as they face unspeakable tragedy, day in and day out.
If You Make it Home: Kherson’s Volunteer EMTs and the Human Safari
Warning Graphic Content
This documentary follows Shrek, a Ukrainian medic, and his small volunteer crew as they navigate Kherson’s streets under constant Russian FPV drone attack. Seen through Shrek’s own chest-mounted camera, the film captures the raw immediacy of their work: evacuating the wounded, retrieving the dead, and surviving the “double-tap” strikes that target rescuers as they arrive. Interwoven with field interviews and stark first-hand footage, the film exposes the deliberate targeting of civilians—what locals call a “human safari”—and the moral collapse it represents. Through the courage of Shrek’s team, it becomes not just a record of atrocities, but a testament to the endurance of those who choose to stay, to keep helping, and to keep Kherson alive.
Kherson: Life in a City Under Siege
A short documentary highlighting the lives of civilians in wartime Kherson, and the work of Insulate Ukraine in helping them to rebuild their war damaged homes. Kherson endures daily attacks from artillery, drones, and rocket fire launched by Russian forces stationed across the Dnipro River, just a few kilometers from the city center. These attacks specifically target civilians, with elderly men on their way to work and children at play among the recent victims of FPV drone strikes.
The Maternity Clinic:
"What do you feel when you see the first tree buds bloom in the spring? When you hear the first bird singing in the spring? It's the beginning of life."
In Kherson day and night is punctuated by the mechanical whir of FPV drones, the thuds of artillery fire and the contrails of incoming missile. Amidst these sounds of death, the cries of newborn children ring through the halls of Kherson's last remaining Maternity Hospital. Brave staff risk life and limb for expectant mothers to bring Kherson's next generation to life.
Being Near: Faith in the Frontline City of Kherson
Produced by Insulate Ukraine’s Zachary Tarrant with the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, Being near: Faith in the frontline city of Kherson explores the everyday realities of Russian forces’ persecution of religious and civilian communities in Kherson, a major Ukrainian city only four kilometers from the front line
Kherson is a city I fell in love with the first time I visited. A mid-sized riverside port, it reminded me of Wilmington, North Carolina — where my parents live, and where I call home when I’m back in the United States.
Over the past three years and countless trips to Kherson, I’ve come to know its people — bold, brave, and resilient. Ordinary citizens who stay in harm’s way to help their neighbors and defend their country. True heroes, whether a medic risking their life to save an injured neighbor or a grandmother refusing to leave her home in defiance of an invader whose will is to take her land. Countless human stories, known only to those close to them or the people they’ve helped.
The inspiration I’ve found in them — Kherson’s residents, and all those Ukrainians who stand in the face of danger — is what’s kept me here in Ukraine. The people of Ukraine stand as proof of why the world must remain committed to supporting this nation’s fight for independence.
As an Insulate Ukraine subscriber, you’re already part of that commitment. Consider the options below to continue the fight — and help keep the world’s focus on Ukraine.
What you can do:
– Share these films with friends or family who may not understand what’s happening on the ground in Kherson. Keeping people aware and engaged is a huge part of Ukraine’s battle for freedom and you can help directly by sharing these stories.
– Reach out to me zachary@insulate-ukraine.org if you’d like to donate to any of the projects featured above. I’ll make sure your support goes directly to the charities in need. Or, if you’d prefer to give to Kherson more generally, I can connect you with fundraisers helping civilians prepare for winter.
– Donate to Insulate Ukraine to help us continue our work providing light, warmth and safety to civilians still in Kherson.
Insulate Ukraine remains committed to supporting Ukraine in every way we can, which is why we’re proud to share the stories of other organizations and individuals making a difference across the country.
Thank you for standing with us.
All the best,
Zachary Tarrant
Independent Documentary Filmmaker and Media Director at Insulate Ukraine
Lives on the Ground: A series of short vignettes told through text, photography and film. These stories are the unfiltered voices of the people that we meet and represent our commitment to the individual human experience during moments of change, conflict, or catastrophe.
Our ability to highlight voices like this stems directly from our on-the-ground efforts in Ukraine where we encounter extraordinary individuals with compelling stories daily. The continuation of this crucial work relies on the generous support of donors like you. Please consider making a donation.
Originally published via email on 11 November 2025.
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