photo: Viktor Orlovskyi
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Victor Orlovskyi is 41 years old. He changed many professions, being a computer operator, civil servant, and shortly before the attack on Russia worked in IT and Internet marketing. Viktor did not hold a weapon until February 24, but had considerable activist experience. The man passed the Maidan from the first to the last day, actively helped the 54th Brigade, where his friend served, and also cooperated with the Kyiv Military Hospital.
There were also shifts with the Automaidan [members of the Revolution of Dignity who protested on their cars] and journalistic activities in his experience. Victor maintained a Twitter account @dbnmjr with 400,000 subscribers – the most popular in Ukraine. In 2015, he was banned along with dozens of other patriotic pages.
«I have long understood that invasion is to happen. 2-3 months ago, when they [Russians] just started collecting «iron», I decided that I would fight. If I’m not accepted – then will go to the hospital as a volunteer or help at the military registration and enlistment office. I wanted to go to the defence in advance to get training. However, I didn’t have time to do it due to problems with documents,» – he explains.
When Russia attacked, the man had the opportunity to leave, but he did not consider the option of evacuation. After sending his wife and three sons abroad, Viktor with his friend, whom he helped in the anti-terrorist operation, came to the military registration and enlistment office on February 24 at 9 o’clock. «We haven’t had such a historic opportunity to be free from Russia for 300 years. We have a chance to change history!» – Victor is convinced.
He went to the military registration and enlistment office to clearly understand his place in the ranks of the resistance. Now, the man is near Kyiv, protecting the city from the breakthrough of the enemy. He says that among his duties is to obey and carry out orders, to react quickly. A friend of Victor, with whom he went to the military registration and enlistment office, is now sleeping on a nearby mat.
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«The outskirts of Kyiv, as it’s said, are a quiet Ukrainian night. I, a citizen who hasn’t been to a village for twenty years, like everything. There is a desire to come here to live after the war for a week or two, – the man shares. – However, this «exotic» has one thing – explosions, command «to fight!», columns of burnt equipment and the bodies of Russians that no one cares about. Defenders of their land and dying civilians. Constant anxiety and readiness for everything.»
Most of all, the warrior is impressed by the speed of events and his place in the recently peaceful, promising state. However, like everyone else, he speaks of victory: «The main factors of our victory will be unity and the desire to restore historical justice. Protect your children, families, loved ones and your God-given land.»
The media hub «Tvoe Misto» is launching a Telegram channel and a Facebook page – «Kyiv – Your City», where it will tell about extraordinary Kyivans who defend their home: at the front, in defence, in volunteer groups, in medical battalions. Kyiv is now not only the capital of independent Ukraine but also a heroic city that the whole world observes with admiration. You can join the Telegram channel «Kyiv – Your City» by following the link, and subscribe to the Facebook page – here.
Nadiya Zhyla spoke
Translated by Vitalii Holich
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Lviv Now is an English-language website for Lviv, Ukraine’s «tech-friendly cultural hub.» It is produced by Tvoe Misto («Your City») media-hub, which also hosts regular problem-solving public forums to benefit the city and its people.
