– Every night we are told that today it will be hot. I get so many warnings about air attacks that it has stopped pinching my stomach when I see it, she says.
Norwegian Tonje Shvets (22) is originally from Askøy, but lives on the outskirts of Kyiv with her husband Vladyslav Shvets. She has lived in Ukraine for three years in connection with studies – before she moved in with her husband.
– MARRIED: Norwegian Tonje Shvets and her husband Vladyslav Shvets met in Ukraine. Photo: Private
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When Russian forces attacked with full force against Kyiv last Thursday, the 22-year-old did not get away from the capital. Now she is still in town with her husband, the dog Businka and the cat Pusik.
Read more about Tonje’s experience her.
– I was out helping an elderly lady and then it slammed well three times. You do not get as much information about where it slams anymore because it can help the Russians locate the position of the Ukrainian air force.
Seeked refuge in the bathroom
Last week, Tonje and Vladyslav had plans to leave the capital, but the couple got nowhere due to the long queues out of Kyiv.
Throughout the weekend, it has also been strictly forbidden to be outside – and everything is closed, says Shvets.
On Saturday, the couple did not get a place in a shelter in the capital, and eventually ended up seeking refuge in the bathroom.
– KILOMETERS WITH COWS: Several cars are queuing to refuel in Kyiv. The photo was taken on Thursday when Ukraine was attacked by Russian forces. Photo: Genya Savilov
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– I think it was cramped and scary, but I fell asleep a little in the bath with the dog. You feel safe, and then suddenly you hear something or read something. I do not quite believe that the bathroom is so safe, so I do not relax when I am there. But the bathroom is safer than the kitchen and living room.
Shvets further says that the neighbors on the other floors often use the hallways in the apartment as shelters.
“Russian soldiers, go to hell”
Askøyværingen has sent several pictures of the center of Kyiv to TV 2. The pictures show destroyed buildings – and on one sign it says “Russian soldiers, go to hell”, she says.
Monday afternoon it is calmer. The sleep has improved and the weather outside the apartment is nice. The door bid will be lifted until further notice – until a new message is given.
– SILENCE BEFORE THE STORM: “Russian soldiers, go to hell”, it says on the sign. The photo was taken from the center of Kyiv by the husband of Tonje Shvets. Photo: Vladyslav Shvets
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– It does not mean that everything is good, but it can almost feel like that. I just hope it works out soon. That Ukraine will win and that there will be peace in the not too distant future.
Shvets still do not want to leave the country because of her husband Vladyslav, who is conscripted. And not least because of the dog Businka and the cat Pusik, who both experience the war differently.
– The cat has reacted a little, but not the dog. It may be because she is hard of hearing, she says and adds that the dog is old.
– THE PETS: The cat Pusik on the left and the dog Businka on the right. Businka was adopted by the couple when the old owner died. She is blind in one eye. Photo: Private
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The dog Businka was adopted by the couple when the old owner died. The family did not want her, so she aired herself. It is therefore out of the question to leave the pets – even if there is a war outside the apartment.
– She can not be left again, says the 22-year-old.
The couple currently have nowhere to go – and are sitting in the apartment in Kyiv. When asked if the little family has plans to leave town soon, Shvets answers:
– Not right now. It is very risky. Not sure if I want to take that risk, she replies, but does not hide that she has any plans.
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