This interview was taken via WhatsApp Video Chat on October 6, 2023
Stas provided all answers verbally and was live translated by my friend and colleague Dmytro Nykyforov, operator of War Tours Ukraine, linked here.
Slight variations exist between interviews and the questions asked. This is due to the different levels of English fluency among interviewees, to provide them as much clarity as possible.
#1. Where were you when Russia invaded in 2022?
Russians did not occupy his city, but he was there when the war started.
#2. Can you describe how you felt? What were those first few days like for you? How did he know the war had started?
First, his friend called him at 5:00am and told him that the war started. He [Stas] was laughing and couldn’t believe that it was happening. [He] Opened and read telegram and realized it was true. He decided to go get gas in their car, and when he was waiting for gas was when he saw the first rockets hit the city.
#3. Did you have to leave Ukraine at any point? What was your journey like? How long did it take? Bus, train, etc.?
He did not leave but he sent his wife to Germany. However, after 3 months she returned because she wanted to be with him. It was not very scary because he sent his mom, wife, and sister to Germany.
He did a lot of humanitarian work to dig trenches around the city. He did this work the whole time his family was away.
#4. Are you married and/or have any children?
Yes, he has a wife. They got married before the war, but they have a child that was born only one month ago [from the time of his interview].
#4a. Was it difficult to think about having a family during the war?
Yes, it was very difficult, but they planned to have a child before the war. It was during covid and 6 months into the war, when they realized they were just used to it and decided it was time to try.
#5. What did you think your life would be like now, 2 years ago?
The whole year before the war he was into sports cars and was preparing for a championship. He had to prepare his cars, and on February 23 he ordered a new engine. He realized within a day that his plans were ruined.
#6. How do you see your life going forward from here?
It is very hard to predict what tomorrow will be like. His plans right now are for his child and to support them. He hopes to be able to [participate in] a championship in the country and that they will return to their normal life.
#7. How do you feel about other countries` support of Ukraine? Do they do enough?
He feels the support of other countries and now it is easier. After some time, they only help for the things that were sent by other countries. They have some jacket donations, and they helped with fixing cars. They bought 5 cars for soldiers.
But it is not enough help for soldiers, for weapons, clothing, and military aid.
#8. What do you want people from outside Ukraine to know about life here now?
They are very thankful for all their support.
They still need support, but it is also important to understand that they really want the lives they had before the war, but it is almost impossible because people have lost so much.
Scream to other countries and ask for help because it is still needed.
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