In light of the terrible attack on Ukraine by Russian troops, Freshered has had the unique opportunity to interview the very brave Anna Senik.
Senik was a photographer in Ukraine but has now joined the territorial defense to help fight Russian aggression and ensure that Ukraine remains a free and democratic country. Her views on the war are incredibly powerful and her desire to protect her homeland are an inspiration to us all.
Why did you decide to become a fighter of the Armed Territorial Defense?
Like millions of Ukrainians, I have a choice between dying at home and trying to survive by defending my home. I chose the second. I love my homeland very much. Its culture and traditions are the main theme of my art. So if I allow the enemy to destroy it, it will destroy myself. That is why I protect not just my family, home and land, but also my soul. Without Ukraine, I will not exist as a person.
Do you think the established platform you have on Instagram will help you in getting your message out?
For many years, my Instagram was a place exclusively for art. I showed people the beauty of traditional culture. Now I show how the Russians want to destroy this beauty with missiles and tanks. It is important that not only the military but also artists talk about the war. It works: the whole civilized and humane world support Ukraine.
What is the most important thing you would like to say to the world?
There is no foreign war. If this is not resisted, it will spread to more and more areas. Aggressive states and their inadequate leaders are a problem for the whole world, not just their neighbors. Poland and the Baltic countries understand this. Now I hope the whole of Europe and the whole world will understand it too. If an army kills civilians in a neighboring state, it will do so anywhere in the world if it is not stopped.
What motivates you to keep pressing on?
For many years media has been my field of work, and I know the power of words and information. The last one and a half years I was engaged only in art and planned to dedicate my whole life to it. But the war forced me to return to working with information. The world needs to know the truth about what is happening in Ukraine and every vote is important for that.
What is your hope for the future of Ukraine?
I believe in victory and hope for Ukraine’s European future. The day before yesterday, President Zelensky applied for Ukraine’s membership to the EU. Now it’s only a matter of time. Europe will not exist without Ukraine, now we are its shield and protection from obsessive Russia. The EU must understand it.
Do you think the current invasion has been influenced by historic causes and relationships between Russia and Ukraine?
The history of Ukraine and Russia is a history of confrontation, constant attempts to capture and destroy the Ukrainian people. We have survived the repression of the Stalinist regime, the Holodomor, the Soviet occupation, and we will surely win this war. Our motivation, strength of spirit, unity do not leave the enemy any chance.
The Russians never even understood us. They are trying to intimidate us with the same methods as their own population. But Ukrainians are free and courageous citizens. Feel the difference: Russians are afraid of the police at rallies, and in Ukraine unarmed people stop tanks. They will never defeat us. We are stronger because we are not cowards.
You can follow Anna Senik and see events in Ukraine firsthand for yourself via her reporting of the situation on her Instagram @annasenik
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