Bucha, Administrative center in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine
Bucha is a city of regional importance in Bucha district, Kyiv Oblast, located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) west of the capital. The settlement sits between two small rivers and includes several lakes, among them the larger Yablunivka lake surrounded by parks and residential areas.
The settlement began in 1898 when the railway line from Kyiv to Kovel was built and a station opened near the village of Yablunka. Over the course of the 20th century, the place grew around the station and later received city status.
The name likely comes from the old village of Yablunka, named after wild apple trees that grew here before the settlement formed around the railway station. Today you can still see some older buildings from before the war that show how the place changed over more than a century.
The city sits on several transport routes and is accessible by car or train, though many roads and buildings were damaged during the war. Visitors should check current conditions before traveling, as some areas may not be safe.
In February and March 2022, the place was occupied by Russian troops, and after their withdrawal, numerous civilian victims were found. International investigators gathered evidence of possible war crimes, bringing worldwide attention to this small city.
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