Ukrainian troops forced Putin’s war machine into a chaotic exit from the city of Kherson last Friday. After eight months of Russian occupation, it was free.

But as the Russians fled, stories of brutality and torture poured out. What scars has the occupation left on its remaining inhabitants, what poison has it left behind – and how can a devastated city return to something like normal life? 

This episode contains descriptions of torture.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes. 

Guest: Marc Bennetts, foreign correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.

Presenter: David Aaronovitch.

Clips: NBC News, Times Radio, BBC News, ITV News, CNN.

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