The city of Kherson, located on Ukraine's southern front, remains a focal point of conflict as residents endure relentless attacks from Russian forces positioned across the Dnipro River. Despite ongoing peace negotiations aimed at halting the three-year war, the daily reality for Kherson's inhabitants is marked by fear and uncertainty.

Once a bustling city of 300,000, Kherson's population has dwindled to approximately 60,000 due to continuous shelling and drone assaults. The city's strategic location made it a prime target during the initial stages of the conflict, leading to months of Russian occupation. Although Ukrainian forces successfully reclaimed Kherson, the proximity of Russian troops across the river has resulted in persistent attacks, hindering efforts to restore normalcy.

The human toll of these assaults is profound. Individuals like Serhiy, a 64-year-old security guard, have suffered life-altering injuries. Serhiy lost his foot to a grenade dropped from a Russian drone while en route to work. Expressing deep skepticism about the peace talks, he remarked, "There won't be peace if they are on that bank of the river... It will be constant terror, constant shelling."

The healthcare system in Kherson is under immense strain. Medical professionals, such as chief doctor Viktor Korolenko, have relocated critical hospital departments to underground shelters to safeguard patients and staff from aerial attacks. Korolenko emphasized the urgency of a ceasefire, stating, "We need to stop this slaughter."

Amidst this turmoil, international diplomatic efforts continue. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has expressed optimism about achieving a Black Sea ceasefire, which could pave the way for a broader cessation of hostilities. However, skepticism persists among Kherson's residents, who fear that any agreement may not lead to tangible improvements on the ground.

As peace talks progress, the people of Kherson remain hopeful yet cautious, yearning for a resolution that will allow them to rebuild their lives free from the shadow of conflict.