The hero-city of Irpin is another fortress that, by sacrificing itself, allowed Kiev to hold out in the early days of the russian invasion. Find out what the city is like today and how you can see this legendary place through your own eyes

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The events of recent years have left a deep trace in the history of Ukraine. The russian occupation was a severe test for many cities in the country, including Irpin, which had to endure the atrocities of the russian military. 

However, despite the hardships, the small town in the Kiev region is now coming back to life, gradually rebuilding its infrastructure and spirit. We tell you how Irpin looks like today and what has changed in it.

Fighting for Irpin

At the very beginning of the full-scale invasion of rf into the territory of Ukraine, the occupiers sought to seize Kiev, but faced an obstacle in the form of satellite towns, where Ukrainian fighters fought back the enemy's onslaught. One of the fortresses of Kiev was the nearby town of Irpin.

On 24 March, Irpin was awarded the title of Hero-City of Ukraine. After the AFU drove the russian occupiers out of northern Ukraine, the city was fully returned under the control of Ukrainian forces.

Irpin after the occupation

During the occupation, Irpin faced unimaginable challenges. Houses, infrastructure, bridges and roads were destroyed. Many people lost their loved ones. However, even in the darkest moments, local residents did not lose their strength and will to live.

Immediately after the liberation of the city from the occupants, the process of reconstruction began. The city authorities, with the support of the Ukrainian government and international partners, started to rebuild the destroyed buildings and infrastructure. 

Programmes were launched to provide housing and financial support for those who had lost their homes. The education, health and cultural sectors have received the necessary investments to resume their work.

In addition, the authorities plan to use the latest technologies to rebuild the residential infrastructure. For example, the city has launched a project to build a private house for the family of a Ukrainian defender using 3D printing technology. This will be the first such residential house in Ukraine.

In addition, a public garden with pedestrian alleys and recreation areas will be created in Irpіт. Banksy's graffiti and things from the time of de-occupation of the city will be placed there. They also plan to create graffiti walls in other parts of the park.

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Irpin now

At the moment, Irpin has slowly recovered from the horrors brought by the russian invaders. As of 2023, more than 90 thousand people lived in the city. This figure does not include displaced people.

As stated by the mayor of the city, Oleksandr Markushin, 3,250 houses were damaged in Irpіn during the occupation. Of these, 1.5 thousand private houses had to be dismantled. 

Today, part of the residential infrastructure has been restored, but the city still has a lot to do to return to its former appearance.

As you know, before the russian invasion, Irpin was considered one of the most modern towns in the suburbs of Kiev. It was home to young families who had only recently purchased property in the revitalised town.

How to visit Irpin?

Visit Ukraine invites foreign visitors to see the hero-city of Irpin with their own eyes. An exclusive tour of de-occupied towns will help you to do so. Within the framework of this tour you will be able to get acquainted with various settlements that survived the period of occupation by russian troops and see how people live there today. 

You will also have a unique opportunity to see the cemetery of equipment that Ukrainian fighters destroyed in battles against the russians.

To apply for the tour, follow the link and choose the most suitable offer for you.

We remind you! Bucha is a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and of russian barbarism. The city has been moving away from the occupation for almost two years now. What is the situation in Bucha now and how you can visit the settlement to know its history better, we tell you here.

Photo: AFP

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