|
MAX
If it’s possible, can you try and summarize the situation in Ukraine? It is critical. Absolutely critical. It’s much worse than it was at the start of the fourth invasion in 2022, mostly because of the electricity blackouts and the fact that they’re hitting the infrastructure. Ordinary people are shocked and confused. And what is it like in the army? From a military point of view, it is as challenging as it is for civilians. Military people are used to the explosions and the blackouts, but we are also experiencing no heating or electricity, the constant hitting of infrastructure. It is also challenging because there are not enough people because [the war] takes the lives of people. There are tools to work with, but there are not enough people to serve and to support the country. What is life like for your family in Market Harborough? They are doing really well here. I am happy that they’re safe and that the kids can be just kids and go to school. They have a really supportive community, the town itself is not very big, but very safe, and I can be sure that my family is safe while I am doing what I am doing in Ukraine. The kids are adapting well. They tell me that they have friends and a social circle. They are learning English now, so that’s good for their future. My wife is settling in really well, and is even going to the gym. What do you want readers of the magazine to know about the situation in Ukraine? Ukraine and its people still need support. Unfortunately, we must admit that Russia is powerful and they’re not going to stop. If they can move forward from Ukraine, they are not going to stop, and it will expand. We wouldn’t want people to experience that. It is important that the world keeps helping Ukraine – keeps talking about the people of Ukraine. How can people help and support? In terms of ordinary people, even kind words of support are very valuable for the community here. Of course, if people can support financially, they can through any trusted resource. On the higher levels, forces and sanctions from other countries are very important to push this huge machine back. We just hope for the best, so if people would like to support it will be much appreciated. OKSANA What has life been like in Ukraine been, recently? The winter was particularly harsh. We had periods of -22 to -25C and a lot of snow. Russia did its best to methodically take out our infrastructure, bombarding electricity grids, thermal power plants and distribution units. In cities and towns across the country there are thousands of apartment blocks with no central heating, electricity shortages lasting for dozens of hours and the absence of water, as pumps have no power to bring water up higher than the 5-6th floor. Elevators stay dead for the same reason. This winter has taught us to highly honour the daily heroic work of municipal services. They did the impossible; restoring energy supplies after the most ruinous bombardments, working day and night, many dying during repeated attacks. Nevertheless, with spring around the corner and Ukrainians staying in the country, at least those relatively far from the front line have sighed with a reserved relief as warmth and more sunshine are coming. Families, businesses, communities started developing their distributed energy independence, investing into equipment to build up solutions that will allow us to resist attacks. What is your day to day life like? We live in a private house, and we have a solar power grid, which makes our life tremendously easier. My business – a small tavern – suffers a lot, just like thousands of businesses across the country. With outages of four to 24 hours per day, we had to develop an alternative energy supply. We bought electricity generators to feed our multiple refrigerators, oven, heating, coffee machine, internet supply, sound system and lights. However, generators are insufficient to cope with this level of consumption. Therefore, we had to be selective and very rational, which affected the scope of our offer and services, and eventually reduced the revenue to barely cover our costs. Many people have no alternatives. They have to stay in their apartments. Elderly people wouldn’t dare to get down from their high floor flats as the elevators in their houses had either been motionless, or could get halted at any moment as outages might occur unexpectedly. So, neighbours take care of them and bring them food and medicine. How can people help and support? This winter, civilian Ukrainians have survived. Next winter, we will survive too. But our army needs support. We treasure the support of the UK and Europe that has carried us through this challenging winter. Alone, we would have failed. With weapons and humanitarian aid, the democratic alliance helps Ukraine resist. We thank you, we bless you. If you would like to support Ukraine, please contact: With thanks to Helen Murray for interviewing Max, Kateryna Luhar for translating Max’s interview and Iryna Vasiuk for the photo of Oksana.
|
Issue 29
|