This interview was held via WhatsApp Video Chat on September 13, 2023
Eugene provided all answers verbally both in Ukrainian and English. The interview was live-translated by my friend and colleague Dmytro Nykyforov, operator of War Tours Ukraine, linked here.
The following is the transcript of the English translation of this interview.
#1. Where were you when Russia invaded in 2022?
[His hometown of] Oleshky had been under occupation for 2 months. At 5:00am his mother called and told him what happened. After that they tried to google additional information, and many other people called.
First they [Eugene and his wife] decided that they needed extra gas. At 8:00am they drove to the gas station. When they arrived, there was a very long line. They spent 4 hours in line to get extra gas, during which they scrolled through the news and understood where the military operations started. They realized it was quite far away from their home.
On the way home they met an ambulance, and then they met their friend who is an attorney who told them that the military operation happened. Then they realized the conflict was nearby and decided to evacuate. [Approximately] 30 minutes later, new information told them that the only way out [of Oleshky] was blocked and the only bridge to Kherson city was blocked.
From their windows they could see a lot of smoke and fire where the main road was located. They saw a group of Russian helicopters. After that they decided to stay at home because it was too risky to leave.
#2. Can you describe how you felt? What were those first few days like for you?
They were afraid but they were more afraid when they heard the sounds of explosions. They did not see the source of the explosions, but it was most likely tanks.
#3. Are you married and/or have any children?
He is married and has a daughter. Life became very depressed, they were very nervous all of the time, and did not want to leave their home. Their daughter was nervous but not like them as parents.
#4. What did you think life would be like now, 2 years ago?
Eugene used to work as a judge, his wife was a housewife, and his daughter was a student at a local elementary school. The first day their daughter had to start seeing classmates online due to the war and Covid restrictions.
He though about career development and maybe becoming a judge in an appellate court, but after the war began he had to change his plans. They are considering moving to a new location in Ukraine. They have had to postpone all plans for career development for now.
[At the time of this interview] he is in a town about 700 kilometers from his hometown, and he still works as a judge in a local court.
#4a. How did his daughter adapt to the changes in life and school?
She adapted to a new place quickly and she has good choices to study in her hometown. Her school gave her the choice to stay at her school and participate remotely, or to transition to an in-person school locally.
She did not want to lose her connections with her teachers and her friends at home. She decided to study online with her old teachers. This option lets children study with the same teachers and remain with their peers.
#5. How long do you think the war will last?
He thinks the war will continue for years and maybe the most active period will be within the next two years. Maybe his town will be liberated. He feels the impact of the war now. There are many air alarms and sometimes rockets fly above their heads.
Every week they have funerals. The deceased soldiers get added to the honor board with photos, birth and death dates. They have many military and security checkpoints, even in their city.
#6. What do you want people from outside Ukraine to know about life here now?
He wants people to know that before the war they had conversations about a possible invasion because it was all over social media. After the war started they realized they were not prepared. They did not think such a big war and that it would become such a huge part of life.
This war is against any common sense and international law. That is very important for people who will find out about this interview. It is important to support Ukraine morally, and also with donations.
Please, ask you local governments to support Ukraine because it may help to finish this war more quickly and return families to their home as soon as possible.
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