“Why is everyone silent about Kherson?” is a phrase often used on social networks. In fact, many Ukrainian and international media constantly write about Kherson. It is important to know how and what exactly they talk about.
Therefore, in the new issue of “Conversations about Restoration,” we talk to Oleksandr Kornyakov, a famous Kherson photojournalist, about the media space in Kherson. At the center of the conversation is Kherson, which lives, works, and holds on despite daily danger. Yes, there are difficulties. But the most important thing is the people who hold this front.
Oleksandr Kornyakov is a photojournalist whose work you have definitely seen more than once. He has been in the profession for more than 10 years, and today, he works as a photojournalist for the local publications “Vgoru” and “Suspilne.Kherson.” Oleksandr spent the entire occupation in the city, showing the unbroken Kherson residents to the whole world with his works, and today, he documents the atrocities of the occupiers.
“Kherson residents, regardless of everything, continue their now “normal life” in these existing conditions. Kherson residents have adapted to these conditions. There are areas where there are very few people, sometimes you stop for a minute and look in both directions - there is no one there at all. But these are the most dangerous areas closer to the Dnieper River. I will say that a person adapts to everything, and what once seemed impossible to us, we adapt and continue to live life,” Oleksandr Kornyakov begins our conversation.
Life in Kherson today is a constant anxiety. Shelling of the city has become commonplace, and even being on the street causes fear in most people. Despite this, Kherson residents are adapting to the conditions. They continue to live, work, raise children, and do business, even when explosions can be heard on the streets. The authorities are trying to ensure the vital activity of the city and the region, but there are also many questions and complaints from the townspeople.
"There are not enough doctors, all events are actually held underground, there are long intervals between public transport - people have to wait on the street in the open air, which is dangerous here, etc. There is a huge shortage of simple shelters in Kherson; there are areas where there are almost none at all. This problem is especially relevant for high-rise buildings, because not all buildings have basement shelters. And during shelling, people simply have nowhere to go. There are doubts about whether all funds are used effectively and whether they are not being embezzled. I would like the authorities to work for the people," says Oleksandr.
We asked Oleksandr Kornyakov how effectively the local authorities communicate with the population, because he communicates with Kherson residents every day by his profession: "As a journalist, I can say that the military administration has assumed the right to all information, they are always the first, and sometimes it even seems that certain information is initially hidden to be the first to report the news. However, when you make official requests, they still provide answers, albeit with some delays. Sometimes there are problems with access to filming sites, but this is not so much a matter for the authorities as for individual business owners. Communication is generally there, but it can be improved, especially regarding dialogue with the public."
Many public organizations in Kherson have become especially active after the war began. They respond quickly, help people, organize events for children and the elderly, and provide psychological and legal support. According to Oleksandr, cooperation between journalists and public organizations is much simpler than with the authorities - less bureaucracy and faster decision-making. “What struck me about the people of Kherson after the full-scale invasion was that they became kinder to each other and more responsive. I rediscovered the concept of a “public organization” and what they need. I think public organizations should be given more power in controlling the same authorities, for example, using budget funds. Because there are many issues for the authorities. Public organizations are less bureaucratic and they do everything faster.”
Before the war, there were more than two dozen media outlets in Kherson; now, only a few are left that work stably. Despite this, the quality of journalism has improved: now journalists check information more carefully and adhere to standards. “It seems to the city's residents that Kherson is forgotten about, although in fact, many Ukrainian and foreign media regularly report on events in the city. This is more of a psychological feeling of a lack of attention. Kherson is interested not only in Ukraine but also abroad. I provide my photos for international exhibitions so that the world can see what is happening in Kherson and support it. Paying attention to the city’s problems and attracting help is important. The media lacks interaction with local authorities, because they often have to learn about shelling from acquaintances, and official reports arrive with a delay.”
Russian propaganda and disinformation continue to actively influence the minds of residents of the region, so the media's work to refute fakes and provide truthful information is essential. Russian Telegram channels spread false information that misleads local residents, causing negative emotions and panic. Journalists and the authorities must respond quickly to such reports, providing truthful facts.
“Kherson residents understand that the occupation that took place in 2022 may differ significantly from the possible new one — then the repressions were selective, and now there is a threat of mass persecution. This is very worrying for people,” shares Oleksandr Kornyakov.
Since Oleksandr sees everyday life in Kherson every day through his camera lens, we asked how business in the city is doing now: “Many entrepreneurs are forced to work just to survive, often even at a loss. Shop and cafe owners say that they do not always receive assistance from the authorities after the shelling, which causes them disappointment. The authorities help mainly private individuals, and businesses often remain out of sight. This issue needs to be resolved, because the development of entrepreneurship is important for restoring the city.”
Some believe planning for recovery now makes no sense while the ongoing war is. Others emphasize the importance of developing strategies to prepare after the victory: “I think about this a lot. Personally, I am sure: we need to plan for recovery now, to know where to start, what steps to take first, and what can be postponed for later. Kherson residents need to unite now to think about creating a free economic zone in Kherson. This will help attract investments, return those who left, and stimulate business development. Such a step should be supported by both central and local authorities. This will help return normal life to Kherson faster. Of course, the left bank must be liberated; without it, all of the above will not happen. The most important thing is the care of the residents themselves. They must participate in the city's life, be active in public organizations, defend their rights, and demand quality work from the authorities. You can’t just wait for help from the outside — everyone must find their place and contribute to the recovery of Kherson. Yes, it is difficult, especially in conditions of constant danger, but significant results can be achieved with joint efforts. Kherson can definitely become a prosperous city”.
Kherson is a city with an exceptional strength of spirit. Despite shelling, a lack of shelters, and problems with medicine and transport, people here live, work, help each other, and dream of the future. Public organizations, journalists, activists, and city residents create this future Kherson. Recovery starts today—with understanding, planning, and unification. Continue to support local media, join the city's life, and do not lose faith in the best.
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