Alyoshki. How it was

This is a film about the tragedy of an entire city and how the lives of ordinary residents were saved at great cost.

The Zaporozhye and Kherson Regions are hit by massive strikes from the Ukrainian Armed Forces every day. Yet the city of Alyoshki became an emblem of the humanitarian catastrophe of 2026 for the whole world to see.

All access routes were blocked by Ukrainian drones and heavily mined. Supplies to Alyoshki were kept flowing only by Russian airborne troops and two ambulances that came only a few times a month. Russian soldiers made their way through mined roads to deliver food and evacuate the wounded while fighting off enemy drones.

In October of 2026, an agreement was reached on a temporary ceasefire to carry out the evacuation of civilians. The humanitarian operation was initiated by US First Lady Melania Trump. On the Russian side, the mission was coordinated by Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova.

Buses finally made it into Alyoshki. Families with children and pets left a place where many had spent their whole lives. Yet people hope to return to their home one day – when peace finally arrives.

Watch “Alyoshki. How it was” on RTD website and on RT’s live feed. The time of the broadcast is available on RT’s schedule page.