[단독] Interview with a Ukrainian rifleman “Fight against Russia thanks to Korea’s help” : The Seoul Economic Daily

“The support sent by the democratic nation of South Korea is the driving force that allows us to continue the war against Russia.”

On February 21, three days before the Russian invasion of Ukraine that broke out on February 24 last year, Private First Class Alexander Petrenko (28), who is serving on the battlefield as a member of the Ukrainian Army, expressed his appreciation for Korea’s support in a video interview with Seoul Economic Daily. did. Private Petrenko, who was working as an auto mechanic, was an ordinary reserve citizen who had completed his mandatory service in the Ukrainian Air Force, but when the war broke out, he jumped into the fire. He is currently fighting as a rifleman in the 93rd Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Army.

He emphasized that “the generators and medical equipment sent by Korea are of great help in the war against Russia.” Previously, in December of last year, the government sent humanitarian aid items worth 100 million dollars, including medicines such as vaccines for children and generators to prevent the winter cold, on two occasions.

In particular, he explains that generators sent from Korea are the most useful relief items in the field. In many parts of Ukraine, as Russian shelling has continued as usual for the past year, essential facilities for life, such as electricity and water supply, have been severely damaged. “The reality is that daily life is very difficult in areas where electricity was cut off due to the Russian attack,” said Private Petrenko. done,” he said. He also expressed his gratitude for Korea’s medical aid, saying, “Many comrades treated wounds from the Russian army with medical supplies sent by Korea.”

PFC Petrenko expressed his urgency for military aid, drawing the line that it was up to the Korean government to decide on aid items. He emphasized, “There is an absolute shortage of ammunition and weapons as well as medicines in many areas that are currently at war. He requested a bypass of military aid, citing the superiority of South Korea’s weapons system. Private Petrenko added, “I heard that Korea’s firearm called ‘Cheonmu’ is excellent,” adding, “If this equipment is deployed on the battlefield, I think it will be of great help.”

He evaluated South Korea and Ukraine as ‘great friends and partners’ in that they are democracies that resist dictatorship. He said, “Even before the war, Ukraine was a country with sufficient agricultural and industrial capabilities,” and said, “If Korea continues to help, we will never forget the kindness even after the war.”

He also refuted claims by some that aid to Ukraine escalates the war. Private Petrenko said, “I know that some Koreans are criticizing activities to support Ukraine, such as Korea’s participation in NATO, as an act of instigating a war.” Please remember that this is a typical propaganda attempt to block society’s support.”