Ukraine rolls passenger train into newly freed Kherson after 8 months

For the first time in more than eight months, delighted Ukrainians arrived in Kherson by train on Saturday. Kherson's citizens welcomed them on the platform with flowers and flags of their country.

Shortly after getting off the sleeper train from Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, Hryhorii Vyrtosa, a 67-year-old construction worker, remarked, "I can't even put my feelings into words."

On November 11, Ukrainian soldiers freed Kherson from Russian rule, dealing another significant military setback to Moscow. Since the invasion on February 24, it had been the only provincial capital that Russian forces had taken control of.

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After fleeing the Russian-occupied city of Skadovsk in April, Vyrtosa, a Kherson native with roots in Moldova, was finally able to travel back on Saturday.

Vyrtosa fulfilled his promise to shout "Glory to Ukraine" when he arrived, beaming with pride. Then, after an eight-month absence, he gave his son a bear embrace.

Hundreds of people celebrated as they welcomed the train into the city, which is now without electricity, running water, or central heating.

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"It's a symbol of freedom. It's happiness, "said Maria Matsenko, 66, who was standing on the platform with a companion and clutching a Ukrainian flag.

The train left Kyiv late on Friday after a festive event at the main railway station. It was vividly painted by various Ukrainian painters and carried slogans like "People of Steel."

Oleh Skrypka, a Ukrainian rock singer, gave a performance at the event. Passengers in the crowd, including Ukrainian military, sang along.

(with inputs from agencies)