Two months ago, Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, was been battered by the conflict, enduring an assault by Russia's forces lasting several days and fighting in its suburbs, before weathering regular salvoes of shelling. But the noose around Ukraine's second-largest city has been loosening in recent days, even as the war rages elsewhere. However, much local infrastructure has been ruined and many residents have yet to return. The inhabitants know that a return to normal life is still a long way off, yet many are trying to recapture some essence of normal life, even though Russian aggression lurks not far away. Some have turned to dancing and concerts, others try to pick through the rubble for what they can salvage, whilst others still plan to rebuild Kharkiv's ruined buildings. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES