Ukraine’s second largest city Kharkiv is a couple of miles from the front. Due to the city’s vulnerable location with constant bombings, much of life has moved underground.
And that also applies to cultural life, which for many Kharkiv residents has become more important than ever. Because culture not only makes Kharkiv residents forget the war for a while, it creates meetings and community and acts as a source of strength for the city’s war-weary residents.
– I can’t describe how touching it is. I am incredibly grateful that this exists despite the war, says opera visitor Igor.
In the player above, you can follow along as SVT’s Ukraine team descends into the underground.