Unbreakable Ukrainians Interview with a resident of Mykolaiv

It is the fourth month of the war, which has affected almost the entire world. The heroic resistance to the offensive of Russian troops by Ukraine is admired by the whole world. War is an endless stream of suffering, and above all, it is the suffering of the civilian population. Children, the elderly, and women lose their homes, loved ones, and sometimes their lives.

Photo: Results of recent shelling of Mykolaiv (June 17, 2022)

The city of Mykolaiv, a port city in southern Ukraine, has been under shelling for a long time. All attempts to capture Mykolaiv were repulsed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the enemy, having changed tactics, is trying to exhaust the city by exposing it to daily shelling. Every day, women and children die under shelling. Today, Caliber.Az will try to talk with a resident of Mykolaiv, Alla Makushina, who will tell us about the situation in the city, as it is seen from the side of a simple resident. Alla is a middle-aged attractive lady, who is an art critic by profession. Currently, she works as an administrator at the local Philharmonic. She is the mother of 21 years old daughter, Veronica, an artist at the local opera house. The conversation is conducted via messenger due to the fact that the city, thanks to Elon Musk's generosity, has the Internet.

- Hello Alla.

- Hello.

- How was your day?

- As usual.

- Did you go to work?

- No, you must be kidding, we used to entertain and educate people as Philarmonic, nowadays we all think of survival and resistance. Only people who are responsible for water, electricity, and food supplies go to work under the shelling.

- Any shelling happened today?

- Yes.Two blasts. 2 dead, 20 injured, including 2 children

- What time it normally happens? What is the Russian shelling routine?

- Normally nothing happens during the daytime. They do it in the morning or in the evening.

- Do you hide in the shelter during attacks?

- Not now. We did it at the beginning, but then the administration explained that in the case of multi-story buildings it is even more dangerous than staying at home. Unfortunately, we live in a relatively small town and have no underground to hide in.

- How were things today in your part of the town?

- Today, not our area was shelled, but the windows were trembling in our district too.

- Is there water and electricity in the city?

- Yes, but intermittently. There was no water for almost 2 months. We still buy drinking water in the shop. Tap water comes straight from the river, it is too dirty for drinking or cooking.

- How does the regional and city administration work?

- They do what they can in such conditions. There are basic food items in the city markets. There are problems with certain types of medicines that can be obtained only in Kyiv if there are acquaintances who can buy and send them.

- About 10 million Ukrainians left the country, why didn't you leave?

- I can't, my mother is an elderly, sick woman who depends on my help.

- Do you understand that you are taking a big risk by staying here?

- Yes, but I have no other choice, I will never leave my mother.

- Why didn't your daughter leave?

- My daughter doesn't want to leave me alone either. Well, she has 2 cats to keep.

- You mentioned that you have relatives in Kherson. Do you keep in touch? How do they live under occupation?

- You know, there is such a category of Ukrainians who are happy to live under the heel of Russia, but such a minority. Unfortunately, my relatives are in this category.

- Is it then difficult for you to communicate with them?

- Very difficult, you can say communication is minimized.

- Say your chief of Regional Administration Kim is a local star.

- (Laughs) Yes, our Kimushka is a hero. He has iron nerves, he is always positive and full of humour in any circumstances.

Photo: Vitaly Kim

- Can he be Zelenskyy's successor in the next election?

- Zelensky will win the next election without question, but in the next, it is quite possible

- How do ordinary Ukrainians feel the support of Azerbaijan?

- They say a significant part of the fuel in the country comes from Azerbaijan. It is vital for Ukraine because we have a big agricultural sector, which cannot normally function without fuel for tractors and other machinery. Many Azerbaijanis are fighting in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, some sons of Azerbaijan give their lives for Ukraine. We will never forget this! Plus, Azerbaijanis also help directly, distributing bread for free, making bank transfers for people in need, and sending medicines. This contrasts with the "help" of Armenia, which sends tanks for the Russian occupiers.

- Thank you for the interview. We wish you speedy peace!

- Thank you for your attention to our country and support, we feel it like never before.