Feb 24 • 05:00 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

The Russian town that lost almost all its men to war

The fishing village of Sedanka in eastern Russia struggles with a significant demographic challenge after most of its men aged 18 to 55 have left to join the war in Ukraine.

Sedanka, a remote fishing village in eastern Russia, faces a harsh reality exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Basic services such as running water and central heating are virtually non-existent, particularly given the extreme winter temperatures that can plummet to -10°C. The village is isolated, accessible only by boat or specialized vehicles during summer months, with winter travel relying on snowmobiles or helicopters. Local employment opportunities are scarce, with residents primarily relying on fishing and growing their own food, while the nearby landfills pose risks from wildlife such as the Kamchatka brown bears.

The demographic crisis in Sedanka has been pronounced as almost all the men aged 18 to 55 have left to join the military effort, leaving a significant void in the village's population. Local accounts suggest that the absence of this demographic has led to increased challenges in sustaining the community, as women and children attempt to manage daily life without male counterparts who traditionally contributed to the household and local employment. The loss of workforce presents difficulties in maintaining essential services and farming activities that sustain the community's survival.

As the war escalates and continues to claim lives, the community of Sedanka is left wondering about its future. The stories of young men like Vladimir Akeev, who died shortly after joining the conflict, highlight the personal tragedies entwined with larger geopolitical dynamics. The loss of a significant portion of the male population exacerbates existing challenges in Sedanka, prompting concerns over sustainability and the ability of the village to endure and thrive in such harsh conditions amid ongoing conflict.

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