Compatriots fighting each other
Darya is 24 years old and has lived with her family in Dresden since she was three. She was born in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Part of Darya's family lives in Ukraine and is currently in Kyiv, the centre of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Thekla talked to her about the ongoing events on the 28th of february 2022.
Thekla: What are you feeling right now?
Darya: Powerlessness, bewilderment. Somehow you can't believe it and you feel so helpless. For example, my grandfather is still in Kyiv. He can't get out of there and I can't do anything. He is 75 and had a child a few years ago. Together with his wife and the child, they are now sitting in the cellar all day, hoping that nothing will happen.
Is it possible to keep in touch with them?
Yes, they turn on the mobile phone from time to time, that’s when we have contact. But they try to save battery because they believe soon there might not be electricity anymore. We have been trying to convince him to go to the train station. But he's just scared, which is understandable. Getting to the station alone has become extremely difficult. Kiev is a metropolis, the city is extremely big. But now nothing is running. No metro, no buses, no taxis. You would have to organise an escape through private people. That's difficult, and there's also a curfew from 5 pm to 8 am. You should stick to that, otherwise you could be shot on the street because you got mistaken for a Russian separatist.
Is Ukraine your home?
Yes, but Germany is my home, too. Still, I wouldn't have thought that the current situation would affect me so much. Apparently, my heart is also burning for Ukraine. With regard to other wars, I have always thought: "What's the problem? This war is unnecessary." But as soon as you are affected yourself, it's a different story. Suddenly, I can understand the motives in a completely different way.
Have you been following the conflicts and wars in Eastern Ukraine and Crimea before 24th of February 2022?
Yes, of course. This war has been going on for eight years. Nevertheless, we somehow didn't believe that Putin would really go so far as to invade Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine were part of the Soviet Union - actually, the people who are now fighting each other are more or less the same compatriots. And all of a sudden they fight each other? Until a few years ago, I always said I was Russian. Nobody really knew Ukraine and I speak Russian - I don't speak Ukrainian. And now you have to be really careful what you say and how you position yourself. I think that's a pity.
Do you have more relatives in Ukraine?
Yes, my other grandparents. They also live in Kyiv. They are pro-Putin and they say, "It's not war and Putin surely knows what he's shooting at." - that just leaves you speechless. There are many Russians who support him.
Would you say that is a consequence of pro-Russian propaganda?
My grandparents only watch Russian television and say all Western countries have allied and that Western media are total nonsense. They sit in their flat, very central, and let it all come to them.
Does this divide your family or is this topic just not being discussed?
It's totally divisive. My father only calls to ask if they are still alive. Otherwise it's impossible to talk about it. My father is very pro-Ukraine.
What do you think about the performance of the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the current situation?
There are so many pictures that show that he is with his people. He speaks to them every day and encourages them. That is very strong. You have Putin on one side, at this huge table, far away from his ministers, and then the Ukrainian president on the other side, standing united with his people. Everyone is extremely proud. The feeling that Europe and most of the world are supporting Ukraine gives us great strength.
You started an appeal on Instagram asking people to donate bandages and haemostillers.
They are sent directly to the war zones. That's what's really missing; very simple compresses, wound healing spray. I do it together with my uncle and my aunt, who actually live in Ukraine, but were able to flee to Poland before things escalated. They have many contacts in Ukraine.
Thank you, Darya, for talking with us and we hope the best for you and your family and that everybody remains unscathed.
