KSU presented the book “Khersonites in 2022–2025” — a testament to life during the war
On April 30, a presentation of the book «Khersonites in 2022–2025» was held at Kherson State University. The event took place simultaneously at two locations – in the Ivano-Frankivsk office of KSU and in Kherson.
The publication is a collection of memories from city residents about life during the full-scale war and occupation. The book brings together personal stories and photo chronicles of medics, utility workers, rescuers, volunteers, educators, cultural figures, and representatives of other sectors. These are living testimonies of loss, resistance, and faith in liberation.
The project was implemented through the efforts of reserve lieutenant colonel Anatolii Nedyhalov, who served as the compiler; Merited Journalist of Ukraine Yurii Rabotin – the editor-in-chief; and other participants. Serhii Kostiuchkov, a professor in the Department of Philosophy, Sociology, and Social Work at KSU, joined the work, providing scientific consultation and writing the afterword.
The event was moderated by Vasyl Zahorodniuk – associate professor of the Department of Ukrainian and Slavic Philology and Journalism at KSU, and head of the Kherson Regional Organization of the National Writers' Union of Ukraine.
During the presentation, he emphasized that between 2014 and 2025, about 1,500 books dedicated to the war have appeared in the Ukrainian literary space, over 250 of which were written by direct participants in the events. The university is also actively involved in preserving memory: previously, «Kherson Essays: Live to Win» was published – testimonies from students and teachers about what they experienced during the occupation.
Also, let us recall that KSU initiated the research topic «Occupation and Liberation of Kherson: Antonivskyi Bridge, Buzkyi Park, and the Heroism of Civil Resistance».
In December 2023, as part of this research, the first book was released – «Chronicle of Kherson's Civil Resistance in the Dimensions of Russia's Full-Scale Aggression against Ukraine in 2022» by Oleksandr Cheremisin. It consists of 27 documentary interviews with residents of Kherson about the first days of the full-scale invasion and the resistance.
Next is the second book, «Kherson 2022: With Ukraine in My Heart», by Professor Oleksandr Cheremisin and Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor Halyna Mykhailenko.
The book's compiler, Anatolii Nedyhalov, who is currently in Kherson, thanked everyone who contributed to the creation and presentation of the publication. According to him, the idea for the book arose from a desire to capture the strength of spirit and patriotism of the people of Kherson and to bring the truth about these events to the world.
The authors of the stories included in the book also shared their memories during the event. Their narratives resonated not only with memories of what was endured but also with internal resilience – and the fortitude that helped the people of Kherson persevere. These are stories of faith that does not fade even in the darkest times, of supporting one another, and of confidence in victory.
KSU Vice-Rector for Social-Humanitarian and Scientific-Pedagogical Work, Veronika Denysenko, emphasized the importance of such publications:
«Memory unites us. Today, we are united by a book that is a documentary work and has an important mission – to preserve the memory of the occupation and the events following it. We all share a common dream – a peaceful sky and the victory of Ukraine. This book should serve as motivation so that the truth about Kherson and Ukraine resonates in different languages around the world».
She also thanked the Dean of the Faculty of Ukrainian and Foreign Philology, Journalism, and Arts, Iryna Hoshtanar, and her colleagues for their work on the English translation of the publication.
Professor Serhii Kostiuchkov noted that the texts of the book are sincere, unfiltered testimonies of people:
«These are stories written from the heart, without unnecessary academicism. The work was not easy, involving discussions and searches, but it was very valuable. I believe that the book will find its reader not only in Ukraine but also beyond its borders».
The book «Kherson Residents in 2022–2025» has become another step in preserving the memory of the war – a living, personal, and history-shaping memory.
KSU Press Center