In the village of Shchury, located in the Vinnytsia region of Ukraine, 76-year-old Halyna Maister remains the sole inhabitant of a once-thriving community. As the last resident, she reflects on her life spent in a place that has seen a significant decline in population over the years.
Shchury, part of the Kopyivka rural council in the Tulchyn community, was previously known as the hamlet of Shchurivka. Halyna, who was born and raised there, recalls a time when the village had ten houses and a bustling community. “We used to walk to school in Zarichne and go to work there as well,” she stated.
With no grocery stores or schools in Shchury, residents relied on neighboring villages for supplies. Over time, many have left for better opportunities, while others have passed away. Halyna noted that her last neighbors departed several years ago.
“My neighbor got married and moved away about ten years ago. Her son found a partner in Nesterivka and left too,” Halyna explained.
Halyna’s household is home to several dogs and a cat, but her health has made it difficult for her to manage daily tasks. She must fetch water from a well and relies on social workers or relatives for food deliveries.
“The house is empty; there are no owners left, they have all passed away. There is no one here. Only the dogs remain, and they need food too. I sit on the steps for a while and then go lie down because I can’t do much,” she remarked.
Halyna’s daughter, Zoya Temna, visits her mother whenever possible, providing daily assistance with chores such as fetching water, cooking, and cleaning. “Getting here is difficult; there are no shops or facilities. We have to ask for help. My brother used to help, but he has been drafted into the military. I rely on my sister or hired social workers to bring supplies, but now my mother is unable to manage on her own,” Zoya added.
According to local head Olena Chorna, Shchury once had eleven residential buildings. The lack of infrastructure has driven families to relocate to larger villages, while elderly residents have been moved closer to Kopyivka for better care.
“Children have not been here for a long time since there are no educational facilities nearby. One family with children moved to Kopyivka for school, and as the elderly passed, we relocated them to Kopyivka and found them new homes. Consequently, today only one woman lives here, although three are officially registered,” Chorna stated.
Shchury lacks gas and centralized water supply systems. Chorna explained that the small population made it financially unfeasible to establish utilities in the village. Halyna’s house is heated by a stove, and the local council assists with firewood deliveries.
Halyna receives her pension through a bank card, with family members or social workers helping her withdraw money. She expressed a deep sense of isolation, stating, “What can I do? My parents built this house, and I have to stay here; there’s nowhere else for me to go.” Despite her circumstances, Halyna has no plans to leave her home.
Chorna mentioned that the village is open to receiving internally displaced persons and those who have lost their homes due to the ongoing conflict. There is hope that these newcomers could revitalize a community that currently has only one resident.
Demographic Trends in Ukraine
Recent statements from Ella Libanova, director of the Institute of Demography and Social Research in Ukraine, highlight concerns over population decline. She noted that after the war, some families may reunite abroad rather than in Ukraine.
Libanova also reported that Ukraine’s population has decreased by one million over the past year, primarily due to natural mortality. She emphasized that an aging population is contributing to this trend.
The village of Shchury in Ukraine is now home to only one resident, Halyna Maister, highlighting the demographic decline affecting rural areas. As infrastructure deteriorates and younger generations leave, the village faces an uncertain future, with hopes pinned on potential new inhabitants.