Sergey S., 39, factory worker, Kiev
Interview: Nataliya Yefimkina, 2/26/2022.
NY: Tell, tell a little bit about yourself. What’s happening?
My name is Serhiy. I love my motherland, love Kiev, love my country. I am now in Kiev, in Obolon’ district… With my 16 years old son and with the girl I met two weeks ago at a first performance. And the day before yesterday, when the war broke out, I proposed to her and she said “yes”. (laughs) I would go to the defense point on site to get a gun. But I didn’t serve in the army, they don’t give me guns right now. So we prepare Molotov cocktails to greet the occupier, to make this whole thing hell for him to the maximum – that’s what I stand up for.
This is what is happening with me today. And I don’t want to die for Ukraine, I want to live for it!
NY: Are you in the shelter now? What is your situation?
In the basement we slept yesterday, today we somehow decided not to go. It’s banging, but not in our yard, a little further. We are sitting in our apartment, so rented apartment. I’m originally from Chernihiv region.
NY: And what floor, Serhiy?
11th floor
NY: Pretty high, isn’t it?
Serhiy: Yes, fits. If the MTWs or tankers go by, I’ll have something to throw at them, though nothing to shoot at them.
NY: So what’s the mood like, are you worried?
I think I’m past that stage of fear and powerlessness. I have anger, aggression and hatred now, it moves me.
NY: And what about the child, the 16 year old?
He’s not comfortable with it. I, ah… I’m a little scared for him, for the girl, my future wife. Yes, that’s why I’m scared. I’m learning to live through it, to cope with it.
NY: And is it working out?
It’s kind of working out. When I talk to you, Natasha, it works, I think.
NY: And what are your plans for today, for the evening?
Today? So, going to drink coffee. Thank God, there is Internet, I will check the situation on Internet through different channels, assess the situation in the country, because there is a lot of wrong information. I will also post on my page where I also have my own songs, so I will support the information front.
NY: Please tell me where you work, how old are you – a little bit about yourself.
I’m 39 years old, I’m officially employed at DBK 4. It’s an iron and concrete plant, I work as an operator at the control desk, receiving construction materials: Cement, crushed stone, sand. If you look at it philosophically, they are future houses, future homes for many families.
NY: Didn’t you want to leave?
No, I didn’t even leave myself that option – to flee. To flee to where?
Natasha, this is the only thing that no one will buy for no money, no one will take away, never in life, with no weapons, with no other means. This is the only thing that cannot be taken away from us, Ukrainians. Sure, there are among Ukrainians, there are… Every nation has marginals that can be bought. Fortunately, I am not one of them.
NY: So, let’s keep in touch, you have to write me every day!
Yes, do I have to write every day?
NY: Yes, I’m worried about you.
That’s not how it was agreed upon.
NY: Send me another photo, with something in the background.
I can send one with the military point in the background that couldn’t give us weapons.
NY: Do that.
Ok, had a good time.
NY: Kiss you, bye
Ciao, ciao.