Ukraine: A Moving Look At The Death Of Rural Life

On April 18, 2014 by Tim Newman

Like most developing countries, the population of Ukraine is steadily migrating from the countryside to the commercial hubs. Villages and farms slowly empty and cities and towns steadily fill. The young can’t wait to become a dim light amongst the bright lights of the big smokes.

The older generation are left behind to tend their land and struggle by as age slowly takes hold.

Without welfare schemes and pensions the elderly population and their whole way of life is crumbling around them and there’s nothing they can do but watch.

This set of photos captures the mood of this depressing state of affairs quite thoroughly. The pictures were taken by Victoria Sorochinskoe, who was inspired by a visit her great-grandmother’s village after many years living in Russia, Israel and Canada. S

Sorochinskoe was struck by the desolation and misery and decided, in 2009, to take a trip to small towns and villages around Kiev and document the passing of traditions and memories.