Home / War and Conflict / Kherson's Last Hotel: A Beacon in War's Darkness
Kherson's Last Hotel: A Beacon in War's Darkness
17 Oct
Summary
- Hotel Richelievsky provides refuge to displaced individuals in Kherson.
- Residents adhere to strict rules, like closing curtains before dusk.
- The hotel continues to operate as a hub despite drone attacks.
The Richelievsky hotel in Kherson has transformed from a commercial establishment into a critical refuge for civilians amidst relentless conflict. Residents adhere to a strict rule: closing curtains before dusk to avoid detection by Russian drone operators who patrol the city, now known as the "human safari."
Manager Yevhen Emtsov oversees the operation, where 41 displaced people receive free rooms and meals. Previously accommodating tourists, the hotel now shelters those fleeing heavily shelled areas along the Dnipro River, which forms the current frontline.
Daily life is punctuated by power outages, drone hums, and artillery fire. Residents navigate these challenges, with some commuting through dangerous streets for work while carrying emergency bags. The hotel provides a shelter, but a sense of safety remains elusive for many.
Despite a recent drone attack that narrowly missed Emtsov and his team, the hotel remains committed to its mission. It continues to operate as a vital hub, offering support and refuge to those affected by the ongoing war in Kherson.
