The members of the Moravski Chamber Choir are spread throughout Ukraine. Some are defending their country, while others are in hiding, observing the events.
Igor Fedirko is currently in the army and training in Kyiv. He says that as soon as he finishes his training, he will be deployed to the front lines.
“Igor, how are you?” A message to my closest Ukrainian contacts has become part of my morning routine, alongside having breakfast and checking the news. While others only send a simple “+” to show that they are still alive, >>Igor Fedirko still puts in a bit more effort. He often sends short video messages of donated “German” blankets and mattresses stacked in a warehouse, or German ready meals. Yes, even Erasco’s vegetable stew has now made its way to Ukraine. But he also sends a video of his rifle. “Julian, that’s my new life now!” he writes, always accompanied by his mischievous smile.
Even in this situation, Igor does what needs to be done. My smile over his charm catches in my throat. Is my country also doing what needs to be
done? Are we doing everything in our power to protect these people? We are taking them in, providing them with money, organizing protests. We are doing a lot. But I wonder if that isn’t somewhat expected when they are being pursued, terrorized, and killed. Why are we still hesitating with arms deliveries? There are no easy answers these days, but I wonder if we Germans are truly real friends to Ukraine. How would a real friend behave?
Igor was home for a few days in his apartment. He says they gave him a bit of vacation. “The city is quiet and no bombs are falling! Can you imagine that?” He is euphoric. Days later, he sends me a picture. He’s heading back to his training. You can see him in a camouflage uniform of the Ukrainian military. The whole thing feels unsettling to me—his rifle is hanging on his back, only the tip visible. “Take care, my friend! I still need you as a director! Don’t do anything crazy!” His mischievous smile is still there, as always: “Promise!”
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