Norwegian Tonje Shvets (22) from Askøy and her husband Vladyslav live in an apartment in northeastern Kyiv.
It has not been a quiet night for the couple, as Russian forces have moved ever closer to the capital during the night.
The West threatens with its own sanctions
– It was quiet for a long time yesterday afternoon. And then, at 10pm last night, we heard five loud bangs. They were so big that the lock on our front door rang.
Here you can read about what has happened in Ukraine – hour by hour.
Full in the bomb room
Then they decided to take their pets with them and seek refuge in the nearest refuge.
– When we went there we heard a lot of noise up in the sky. We do not know what it was we heard, but many said it was the air force firing at Russian planes entering our airspace.
The case was first reported by local newspapers Bergensavisen.
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But when Tonje and Vladyslav arrived, the shelters in the area were full.
– We were not allowed to enter there, because it was full. In addition, we have a dog and a cat that we do not want to leave in the apartment, Tonje explains.
– Really scared
The couple therefore went on to another local bomb room. But it is not allowed to bring animals there.
Traveling to save girlfriends
– But we were allowed to be in another building in the area. But it is not underground and has heavy windows and chandeliers.
FEELED UNSECURE: The couple had to seek refuge in another building with their pets, but the large windows made Tonje feel unsafe. Photo: Private
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While they were in the building, Tonje says that it started to crack a lot.
– I was really afraid that it would slam closer to us, that the windows would break and that the chandelier would fall down.
Therefore, the couple decided to defy the curfew and go home in the middle of the night.
Seeked refuge in the bathroom
Back home, Tonje sought refuge in the bathroom, together with both cat and dog.
Tonje and Vladyslav live on the ground floor of a block built in the 70s, when Ukraine was under the Soviet Union. She is afraid that the building will collapse.
– I am especially afraid of air attacks, I thought it was really disgusting. If it slams very close, then the building can collapse afterwards as well.
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Tonje has been prepared for war, but did not think it would actually happen. This week she took out cash and bought extra food for the animals. She has also stored extra water on the terrace for safety.
– I’m still surprised. I did not think it would come to Kyiv.
– Hear explosions
After Putin recognized the republics, Tonje thought he should stay there.
– It has been said that there is little chance of invasion, and that it is the western media that exaggerates. Or that it is megaphone policy to deter.
Offers its «private army»: – Sadistic
Now the war has come ever nearer.
– For me who lives on the outskirts of Kyiv, and does not participate in street fights, it is quite calm. But it’s still scary, and we often hear explosions. You do not always know what it is, she says.
Tonje follows updates that come via its own channels in the Telegram app. There she has read that Russian military vehicles are quite close.
– Dangerous
Now Tonje and her husband are unsure of what will happen next.
– I do not know what will happen. I am not a military expert, and I do not know who to believe in, she says.
Apartment building hit by missile
Men between the ages of 18 and 60 are not allowed to leave the country, so her husband Vladyslav has to stay at home.
– It is not easy to get out of Kyiv either: It is dangerous – and you can meet Russian tanks on the road.
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At home on Askøy, Tonje’s parents, Rikke and Raymond Lægreid, are worried.
– I think they are awake almost all night and watching, Tonje says.
Quieter today
When she talks to Dagbladet on Saturday afternoon, it is a little calmer than it was Saturday night.
– Me and my crew are armed
– There is a big difference in what I think I should do, she says, and elaborates:
– Now that nothing has happened for a long time – it’s nice weather and you can be outside – I think I can stay here and take care of the animals. But when it slams, I think it’s best to stick.
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