Ukraine is approaching its second Christmas and the end of the year after the Russian invasion. Ruslan Prylypko (43), an IT engineer who lives in the capital Kyiv (Kiev), gave an online interview to this newspaper on the night of the 20th (in the afternoon of the same day local time), reporting on the state of the city and its citizens who have been devastated by the war for two years. . (Takashi Ohno)
◆There is no generator available at this time.
He was interviewed at the office where he works, wearing a down vest. She said, “It’s 7 degrees outside. It’s sunny and warm for Kiwi. It snowed heavily once, but it doesn’t feel like Christmas.” A year ago, power plants and other facilities were destroyed in a Russian attack, cutting off electricity and heating. Learning from that lesson, homes and stores are equipped with generators, but “we have successfully intercepted them this year, so there is no need to use them so far.”
Ruslan talks about the city.
There is no shortage of food or fuel, and there are no lines of cars waiting to refuel at gas stations like there were immediately after the invasion. There are also 12 types of traditional Christmas dishes. However, prices seem to be rising by 4-5% every month.
Air raid warnings are issued at any time of the day or night if a drone flies in or a Russian fighter jet takes off. Citizens’ information such as “flying over Kiu” is flying around on social networking sites (SNS). At home, go to a sturdy room or hallway surrounded by walls. At stores or places of work, people take refuge in underground parking lots or subway stations.
◆Ballistic missiles arrive within minutes after launch…Ballistic missiles pose a threat
What is troubling is the ballistic missiles that are said to be from neighboring Belarus. It started recently. It will reach Kiu within minutes after launch. About a week ago, more than 50 people were injured in another attack. It appears that infrastructure equipment was targeted, but it ended up hitting a residence.
Houses in Kiv destroyed by Russian military attack = AP
Cyber attacks are also becoming a threat. A major mobile phone carrier, which is used by more than 20 million people, was down for several days, affecting people’s lives. The cause is said to be a Russian cyber attack.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on January 7th, and there are reports that it will be moved to December 25th to break away from Russian culture. New Year’s Eve is the biggest event. However, there is no prospect that the curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. will be lifted.
◆Trees are modest, transportation network is damaged
The usual large tree at Independence Square in the center of Kiv was modest, just like last year. There are no events. Among the citizens, fatigue is noticeable due to the prolonged war damage. “Some people can’t celebrate, but want a change of pace. The store is decorated modestly.”
What’s also “not even close to Christmas” is that some sections of the subway have been suspended. Cracks appeared in the tunnel, and some bridges were said to be impassable. The cause is not a result of a Russian attack, but rather the deterioration of structures built in the former Soviet era. “This is because there was no budget due to the war damage, and maintenance and repairs were not done properly.As a result, it is difficult to move around the city of Kiev,” he said.
Ruslan talks about the city.
I’m looking forward to working with Keiko of the Kiu Kendo Federation, where I serve as the secretary general. It was interrupted by the invasion and resumed last summer. Currently, about 10 people gather four times a week. In November of this year, a convention was held in the city to remember the late Hiroki Godai, a Japanese interpreter who started the federation. However, when it comes to talking about his kendo friends fighting on the front lines and the members he has lost contact with, Ruslan’s expression becomes clouded by the reality of the ravages of war.
If you want to ask Santa Claus for a present, you should say, “It would be for the war to end quickly.Everyone in Japan would wish that.” Japan’s support, including funding and landmine removal technology, is widely reported locally. “I am grateful for Japan’s unwavering stance. Any support from the international community is important and I would appreciate it.”
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2023-12-23 03:00:00
