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Bakhmut: A Harrowing Look Inside Ukraine's 'Ghost City'

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 11:51 GMT by BBC

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The Hollowed Heart of Ukraine: Life Endures in Devastated Bakhmut

The BBC News video "Ukraine’s ‘ghost city’ of Bakhmut: Life under constant shelling" offers a harrowing glimpse into the ongoing, brutal battle for Bakhmut, a strategically important city in eastern Ukraine. More than just a military objective, the video portrays the lived experience of those who remain – a dwindling population clinging to existence amidst relentless bombardment and widespread destruction. It's a story not just of warfare, but of resilience, loss, and the agonizing decision to stay or flee.

For over a year, Bakhmut has been the focal point of intense fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian mercenaries, primarily from the Wagner Group (a private military company with close ties to the Kremlin). The video emphasizes that while Russia claims control of parts of the city, the situation remains fluid and contested. The conflict has transformed what was once a thriving industrial hub into a landscape of shattered buildings, cratered streets, and constant peril.

A City Reduced to Ruins:

The visuals in the video are stark and devastating. Aerial footage shows vast swathes of Bakhmut reduced to rubble. Buildings have been systematically destroyed by artillery and aerial strikes. What remains is a skeleton city – a network of damaged structures interspersed with open, dangerous ground. The BBC team's on-the-ground reporting highlights the sheer scale of the destruction; entire neighborhoods are simply gone. The video illustrates how the relentless shelling has rendered many buildings uninhabitable, forcing residents to seek shelter in basements or attempt to navigate the treacherous streets.

The People Who Remain:

Perhaps the most poignant aspect of the video is its focus on the small number of civilians who have chosen – or been forced – to stay behind. These are not hardened soldiers; they’re ordinary people: elderly residents, families with young children, and individuals for whom leaving is simply not an option due to financial constraints, disability, or emotional ties to their homes. The video features interviews with several of these remaining inhabitants, revealing the profound psychological toll the constant shelling takes on them. They speak of fear, exhaustion, and a desperate yearning for normalcy. One elderly woman recounts how she continues to tend her small garden despite the danger, finding solace in the routine amidst the chaos.

The reasons people stay are complex. Some express unwavering patriotism and a determination to defend their homeland. Others feel they have nowhere else to go; selling their homes is impossible given the war’s impact on property values, and relocating to safer areas presents its own challenges. Still others simply can't bear to abandon the places where they’ve built their lives.

The Strategic Significance & Wagner Group's Role:

While the video primarily focuses on human stories, it also touches upon the strategic importance of Bakhmut. Ukraine views holding the city as crucial for slowing down Russia's advance and disrupting supply lines. Russia, conversely, sees capturing Bakhmut as a symbolic victory that could boost morale and potentially open up avenues for further offensives. The video briefly mentions the significant role played by Wagner mercenaries in the assault on Bakhmut. These fighters, often recruited from prisons, have been instrumental in Russia’s slow but persistent gains. Reports suggest heavy casualties among both sides, particularly within the ranks of the Wagner Group, which has reportedly suffered staggering losses attempting to seize the city block by block. (You can find more information about the Wagner group and their recruitment tactics here: [ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65190278 ]).

A Constant Cycle of Danger:

The video highlights the cyclical nature of life in Bakhmut. Periods of relative calm are punctuated by intense shelling, forcing residents to take cover and disrupting essential services. Electricity, water, and heating are frequently cut off. Food supplies are scarce, and medical care is severely limited. The constant threat of death hangs heavy over everything. Despite the risks, many civilians continue to venture out to scavenge for food or collect water from dwindling sources.

The Future Uncertain:

The video concludes on a note of profound uncertainty. While Ukrainian forces have demonstrated remarkable resilience in defending Bakhmut, the situation remains precarious. The future of the city and its remaining inhabitants is unknown. Whether it will eventually be retaken by Ukraine, remain under Russian control, or become a ghost town entirely depends on the evolving course of the war. What’s clear from the video is that even if fighting ceases, the scars – both physical and emotional – will linger for generations to come. The BBC team's presence underscores the international attention focused on this conflict and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to support those who remain trapped in its path.

The video serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the extraordinary courage of ordinary people facing unimaginable hardship. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Ukraine, even amidst devastation.

I hope this summary accurately captures the essence of the BBC News video. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or further elaboration on specific points!