Bucha, a suburb of Kyiv, still bears the scars of the horrific atrocities committed during the Russian occupation from February 27 to March 31, 2022, which marked the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During this turbulent month, over 500 civilians were brutally murdered, representing around 10% of the population still remaining in the area at that time. Residents of Bucha, alongside neighboring towns, endured significant losses as they became frontline witnesses to the brutalities of the invasion, aiming to protect the capital from a swift takeover by Russian forces led by President Vladimir Putin.

In the wake of these tragic events, local women such as Victoria, Alla, and Tetyana express the deep wounds they carry as they seek justice and remembrance for their lost family members. The anguish of mourning is palpable in Bucha, where community members continue to grapple with the impact of the violence. The quest for answers and justice remains a central theme in their lives, as they not only remember those who were killed but also fight against the agony of unresolved disappearances and the quest to reclaim missing individuals from the clutches of captivity.

As the anniversary of the occupation passes, the emotional toll on the survivors highlights the broader implications of the war on society. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict in Ukraine and the need for accountability in the face of grave human rights violations. This ongoing struggle for justice is emblematic of the resilience of the Ukrainian people, reflecting their hope for reconciliation and recovery amid the shadows of the past.