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survival in war.
Between rubble in an apocalyptic setting.
Sergey Shulgin is still holding out in a badly damaged building in Mariupol.
The city that has been under almost complete Russian control since April 21.
And which was almost completely destroyed by rockets, bombs and grenades.
Sergei Shulgin Resident Mariupol »Usually they hit high-rise buildings. And here they hit the second floor directly. There was a woman. Now she is buried there. Well, at least it was in her own apartment - that's a small consolation."
According to Ukrainian information, around 100,000 people are still in Mariupol.
The Russian occupiers distribute food rations.
Sergej Shulgin resident of Mariupol »We'll get some food. They said we can pick it up on Thursday or Friday. And this is my wife."
Sergej Shulgin resident of Mariupol »Now we spend most of the time in the basement. Anyway, we were scared at first, but now we're laughing - spring is spring. »
The Shulgins feel left alone by the authorities.
They do not want to accept an offer to resettle in Russia.
Luidmila Shulgina resident of Mariupol »There used to be attention. And now we've been forgotten. If you go to them - you will be kicked out. Everywhere we were told to stay calm and wait for a commission that can move us to Krasnodar. Why should I go there? I'm too old. I'm 67 years old, my son, how can I go there?"
Luidmila Shulgina resident of Mariupol »They said we should wait two weeks. There is one week left. how can i go Let them blow me up here - if I deserve it."
After more than two months of war, many people here have given up.
Resignation to fate has often supplanted the fear of death.
Sergei Shulgin resident of Mariupol » Now we're getting used to all the constant bombing. Even the dogs don't pay attention anymore, and we certainly don't. »
Sergei is 62 years old.
Five years younger than his wife.
He shows us his apartment – and his books.
Sergey Shulgin Resident Mariupol » "This is all from the 90s. I love to read, and all this is written in Russian. All in Russian. All detectives. »
Sergei has great hope that motivates him to persevere in the apocalyptic environment that was once Mariupol:
Sergei Shulgin Resident Mariupol »I want to return to my homeland in western Ukraine and to my family. Both of my brothers live in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. My mother is buried there. I would like to go back there. We have nowhere else to go."
Whether that will happen is uncertain.
The Shulgins continue to hold out among the rubble.
Despite the continued Russian attacks.
