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The Transformation of Bakhmut: A Winery Turned Field Hospital in War-Torn Ukraine

Explore the poignant transformation of Bakhmut, where a renowned winery became a vital field hospital amid the devastation of war in Ukraine. Discover the resilience of the human spirit and the unexpected stories that emerge in times of crisis.

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Vintage of War

By Nanna Heitmann and Eric Nagourney

The Transformation of Bakhmut: A Winery Turned Field Hospital in War-Torn Ukraine

In the midst of a devastating conflict, Russian forces are entrenched in a fierce battle to seize control of eastern Ukraine. Among the remnants of a once-thriving winery, a makeshift field hospital has been established to treat the wounded soldiers who bear the scars of war. As a new patient is brought in, medics hurriedly transfer him onto a stretcher, swiftly cutting away his clothing to evaluate his injuries and initiate intravenous treatment.

Once a popular destination for tourists who explored its tunnels adorned with intricate carvings and savored the renowned sparkling wines of Bakhmut, this place has now transformed into a stark reminder of the ongoing violence. The Russian soldiers, often deprived of sunlight, find fleeting moments of solace in the remnants of holiday decorations, such as a Christmas tree that still stands, a relic of better times long past. The walls are adorned with heartfelt cards and drawings, sent by children from their hometowns, offering encouragement to recuperating soldiers.

The Transformation of Bakhmut: A Winery Turned Field Hospital in War-Torn Ukraine

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Vintage of War

The Transformation of Bakhmut: A Winery Turned Field Hospital in War-Torn Ukraine

Photographs by Nanna Heitmann

Written by Eric Nagourney

The Transformation of Bakhmut: A Winery Turned Field Hospital in War-Torn Ukraine

July 26, 2024, 12:01 a.m. ET

Once the domain of Bacchus, the god of wine, this location now bears the imprint of Mars, the god of war. Beneath Bakhmut, a network of tunnels has existed for generations. Initially utilized by the mining industry until the 1960s, these subterranean passages later became the domain of vintners. However, following Russia’s invasion in 2022, they have been repurposed yet again for a grim new function.

As fierce battles rage between Russian and Ukrainian forces, Moscow has established a stabilization point, equipping it with medical supplies and positioning it near the rows of dusty wine bottles that remain, a testament to Bakhmut’s former glory. Although Russian forces managed to capture the city last year, the surrounding areas continue to experience intense fighting. Many soldiers arriving at the field hospital have sustained injuries on the frontline in Klishchiivka, a particularly brutal battleground on the city’s outskirts.

The room where the patients are treated, located near the entrance to an old decanting chamber adorned with Romanesque sculptures, once resonated with joyful celebrations. Now, it is filled with the somber sounds of pain and despair. Days spent underground stretch long, as venturing outside poses significant risks due to the constant threat of drones overhead. Tragically, just a month prior, a medic on the night shift lost his life to a drone strike.

The Transformation of Bakhmut: A Winery Turned Field Hospital in War-Torn Ukraine

This is what we know about the patient:

The Transformation of Bakhmut: A Winery Turned Field Hospital in War-Torn Ukraine

  • He is Russian.
  • He survived the ordeal.
  • He has been transferred to a hospital further from the front lines — but not before enduring the loss of an arm and a leg.

World

Dominique Pelicot Testifies in Harrowing Rape Trial

Join us as Dominique Pelicot courageously testifies in a harrowing rape trial, shedding light on the complexities of trauma and justice. Her powerful story raises crucial questions about the legal system and the importance of support for survivors.

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Dominique Pelicot Takes the Stand in Shocking Rape Trial

In a courtroom drama that has captivated France and garnered international attention, Dominique Pelicot, the man at the center of a harrowing rape trial, finally addressed the court. With tears streaming down his face, he recounted how his wife had been instrumental in helping him cope with a tumultuous past marked by trauma. He revealed that he had endured a sexual assault at the tender age of nine while hospitalized, and he also witnessed a gang rape during his teenage years while working as an apprentice electrician on a construction site.

“She didn’t deserve this, I acknowledge that,” Mr. Pelicot stated, his voice barely audible as he struggled to convey his emotions. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and the courtroom fell silent, straining to catch his every word.

Now 71 years old, Mr. Pelicot faces serious allegations of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, whom he has been married to for half a century, over a span of nearly ten years. Prosecutors contend that he used drugs to render her comatose, allowing him to rape her repeatedly. Furthermore, authorities allege that he went so far as to invite numerous men into their home, facilitating a nightmarish scenario where they, too, engaged in the assault of his wife.

Overall, 51 men, including Mr. Pelicot, are on trial concurrently, primarily facing charges related to the aggravated rape of Ms. Pelicot. Among them, one individual has already pleaded guilty to similar crimes, admitting to drugging his own wife to assault her and inviting Mr. Pelicot to partake in the horrific act while she was incapacitated.

Mr. Pelicot’s unexpected testimony came after a tumultuous start to the trial. Just a week in, he was stricken with severe health issues that forced him to miss four consecutive days in court. The head judge ultimately decided to postpone proceedings, as Mr. Pelicot was diagnosed with kidney stones, a kidney infection, and prostate complications, adding yet another layer of complexity to this already harrowing case.

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Meta Bans Russian State Media Outlets from Social Media Platforms

Explore the implications of Meta’s decision to ban Russian state media outlets from its social media platforms. Understand the impact on information dissemination and the ongoing battle against misinformation in the digital landscape.

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Meta Imposes Global Ban on Russian State Media Outlets

In a significant move, Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, has announced the prohibition of Russian state media outlets, including RT (Russia Today) and Rossiya Segodnya, from all its social media platforms. The decision stems from the company’s concerns regarding the deceptive strategies employed by these media organizations to execute covert influence operations across the internet.

Meta made this announcement on Monday, emphasizing that the ban will be enforced worldwide across its various platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The rollout of this ban is expected to take place over the coming days.

Statement from Meta

A spokesperson for Meta elaborated on the decision, stating, “After careful consideration, we have expanded our ongoing enforcement actions against Russian state media outlets. As a result, Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other affiliated entities are now banned from our applications globally due to their involvement in foreign interference activities.”

For further insights into this development, watch the video in the player above.

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World

Trump Recalls Alleged Assassination Attempt While Golfing

Explore Donald Trump’s chilling recollection of an alleged assassination attempt he experienced while enjoying a round of golf. Delve into the tense moments and his reflections on safety, fame, and the unpredictability of public life.

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In a recent interview on the social media platform X, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recounted a harrowing incident he claims to have experienced while playing golf. Trump described how, during a peaceful Sunday morning round with friends, the tranquility of the day was abruptly shattered by the sound of gunfire in the air.

“It was a beautiful day, everything was just perfect,” Trump reflected. “Then all of a sudden, we heard shots being fired—probably around four or five in total.” He went on to explain that a Secret Service agent was the first to spot the suspect, who was allegedly armed with an AK-47, a powerful assault rifle.

“The agent saw the barrel of the weapon and immediately took action, returning fire at the barrel and aiming in the direction of the bushes,” Trump detailed. “I would have loved to have sunk that last putt, but we decided it was best to leave the scene promptly.”

Trump expressed his gratitude towards the agents and a vigilant civilian who aided in tracking down the suspect, who was eventually apprehended following a high-speed chase.

Suspect Faces Multiple Federal Gun Charges

The FBI has identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, accusing him of targeting Trump during his time at the golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to an FBI report, Routh had allegedly hidden among the hedges of the golf course for an astonishing 12 hours. Authorities discovered an SKS-style assault rifle, a GoPro camera, and a bag of food at the scene.

The 58-year-old Routh is now facing two serious federal gun charges. If convicted on both counts, he could face a combined maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Notably, neither of the charges is directly related to an assassination attempt. The first charge pertains to possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction, which carries a potential 15-year sentence, a fine of $250,000 (€225,000), and three years of supervised release.

The second charge involves possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which could result in a five-year prison term, the same financial penalties, and also three years of supervised release. As the investigation continues, additional charges could be forthcoming.

While the motive behind Routh’s actions remains unclear, his digital footprint reveals strong political affiliations, particularly concerning issues surrounding Ukraine and China. Routh consistently expressed support for Ukraine across various social media platforms, even claiming to have orchestrated a recruitment scheme for international volunteers aiming to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. This behavior has been denounced by Ukrainian soldiers and members of the International Legion, who disavowed Routh’s actions and motives.

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