‘My village has become deserted’: how Russia’s war is emptying its rural communities

2026-03-08 - 13:13

Residents of a remote village in Komi Republic say dozens have left to fight in Ukraine, leaving behind grieving families and labour shortages Every few months, Alina makes the long journey from the regional capital, Syktyvkar, back to her home village of Kerchomya to visit her family. Each time, she says, the streets feel a little emptier. Kerchomya, a remote settlement of just more than 700 people in Russia’s Komi Republic in the country’s north-west, was never a bustling place. Wooden houses line its unpaved roads and in winter the single route in and out can become nearly impassable. Continue reading...