Nadiya Haivska, university professor:
“Of course, we always tend to believe in the best, and so we did. It is so sad and painful how things have turned out, and how many people have died as a result, especially young people. And those who died at the beginning of the war were just the best people in my opinion.”
Maksym Svichenko, serviceman:
“I lived in Sevastopol at the time. Of course, (the invasion) came as a surprise and was very unexpected, but then some things became clearer, and I figured out that Russia must have planned this for a long time. It was shocking that we lost Crimea and I had to move out as a result, and now we also have war.”
Victoria Savina, national police officer:
“I did not expect all the events, but I expected more action from the government. I feel very sorry for our nation, because we all believe, hope and act for it. I have no words for what is happening now, especially in politics and government. The government does not react to people’s demands and needs, and is only making matters worse.”
Tetiana Pularia, university lecturer:
“I absolutely did not expect it. I could not even foresee EuroMaidan itself, despite there being the Orange Revolution in 2004. The Orange Revolution was bloodless and we hoped it would bring change. Then history repeated itself, and in the worst way possible. The bloody events that followed were shocking.”
Oleksandr Krishtal, hairdresser:
“I wasn’t surprised, I think it was all very obvious. People in Crimea and Donbas wanted separation for a long time, and when the opportunity arose, they took it. I don’t know whether EuroMaidan was the tipping point, but unfortunately different people in Ukraine have different views.”
