I used to write a lot of material about the war that Russia began against us in 2014. I wrote about the shelling and talked to those who came under it. The war in Ukraine has been going on for eight years. In 2014, Putin deployed troops to Crimea, as well as the Donetsk and Luhansk Regions, and the world knew about it, although the Russian president always denied it. So, when talking to the inhabitants of the occupied territories, I always expressed my support for them and assured them with “I understand you.”
But now, I realize that you cannot fully grasp the full meaning of Russia’s war against us until you experience it yourself.
While I was writing the above, three explosions erupted over my head. But we are used to them. Explosions are happening all the time. People have even learned to distinguish between their sound. I, for instance, understand when it’s our military at work, repelling, and when it’s Russian invaders. I’ve even learned to distinguish the type of rocket being used.
Maybe they are trying to hit military and administrative institutions or special facilities with their missiles. But it’s civilians that are usually on the receiving end. Hundreds of innocent people die in Ukraine every day.
The scariest picture for me was the body of the family near the Kyiv TV Tower. They were incinerated during a Russian missile strike on March 1.
Also, I don’t quite understand the words “we only shoot at the military.” Even if it were true, does one country have the right to invade another and do that? So, what kind of lame excuse are they offering us and the world?
The Russian military fires at and destroys entire villages. Literally! The Russians just shot dead a group of volunteers led by the head of the Hostomel community, Yuriy Prilipko, as they were handing out food and clothing to people.
Similar situations are occurring throughout Ukraine. Unfortunately, thousands of people have already died as a result. Among which are my relatives. And Ukrainian villages and towns are becoming a one giant cauldron.
In addition to shelling, there are Russian criminal groups, so-called “saboteurs” (diversanty). At first, they marked the roads and houses where the missiles were supposed to hit. Later they started killing. These are people who disguise themselves as civilians.
These “saboteurs” are the ones who show extreme cruelty. They open fire on whole columns of cars, walk around the districts and shoot people. Sometimes they even manage to steal cars from Ukrainian services to hide their crimes and tarnish the Ukrainian military.
The reservists of the territorial defense, which has been deployed in all cities and villages of Ukraine, are therefore preoccupied with fighting the saboteurs as well as stopping the Russian military. And the “saboteurs” are often caught by ordinary Ukrainians.
But why be surprised if our people are even taking out tanks and capturing Russian soldiers.
How the capital lives today
If you believe the foreign media, as well as Ukrainian intelligence, which I trust very much, Putin planned to seize Kyiv within three days. It is already day 10. He did not succeed and despite whatever gains he’s made, he’s suffered an unexpected major setback.
From the first day, Russian troops began to attack the Ukrainian capital from different directions. To this day, bloody battles are raging in neighboring towns and villages. People are living without electricity and gas, because due to the shooting they’re unable to carry out repairs.
The State Emergency Service informed me that there are three such districts near Kyiv. As soon as the fighting is over, we will immediately restore all communications.
In Kyiv itself, it’s calm during the day because usually the most powerful air strikes take place in the dark. Thanks to the Ukrainian military, which manages to anticipate them, there are not as many victims as there could be. But nevertheless, there are still many. Several residential buildings and part of the military and administrative premises have already been destroyed.
The air alarm siren sounds constantly. People rarely leave the shelters, with the curfew running from 8 pm to 7 am.
The first night – that is, from Feb. 24 to 25, I slept in the subway. My friends and I took some blankets and went there because it’s safe. In fact, thousands like us did the same. Our Metro Station, Syrets, was packed with people.
Some of my acquaintances have not yet left the Metro. The feel safe only below ground, within its confines.
The roads are now empty. Occasionally a car drives by. Most people have left the city, but a large number remain.
By the way, yesterday a rocket landed near our Metro station.
There is still no big shortage of items in stores. However, to buy bread, you get to the store first. Otherwise, the shelves will be empty. The same situation with fruit and vegetables.
Queues to the shops begin to form as soon as the curfew ends. One time I had to stand in line for an hour and a half. My friend stood in line for the pharmacy for two hours.
A big advantage is that you can pay by card, because ATMs for cash withdrawals do not work. At least I haven’t seen one working for over a week.
There are queues also at military registration and enlistment offices. I do not know a single person who at this stage would not help the army.
We bring food, look for equipment, donate blood, prepare Molotov cocktails and weave camouflage nets. And defensive barriers are being built. All this activity and solidarity raises the fighting spirit of the population, which is already at a very high level.
Banners with “Russian soldier, f**k off” are spread around the city, and this has already become the most popular slogan in Ukraine.
And most importantly, we all believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the capability to resist and repel the invaders.
But the siren is sounding again, so I have to go down to the shelter…
