In a video interview with the Straits Times, ex actor, Ix Shen, who is Singaporean shares about life in Ukraine amidst the current crisis that the country is facing with Russian forces invading the country.
Air raid 30 minutes before he was interviewed
The Straits Times was in the process of interviewing Shen, who is in Ukraine, via zoom and was told that just 30 minutes before the interview, there was an air raid in the neighbourhood.
Shen was taking the interview at the balcony of his apartment in Ukraine which overlooks the whole neighbourhood.
He then shares that in the distance about 20 to 40km away, an instant flash was seen in the background.
Initially, Shen thought that that were passing clouds but later figured that clouds do not usually move that fast.
Just three seconds later, a loud explosion was heard and Shen knew that it was caused by the Armed Forces in the distance.
Does not plan to come back
Shen, who moved to Ukraine last year with his Ukrainian wife, does not plan on coming back.
His Ukrainian wife is serving the Ukrainian army as a reservist medical officer and there is a high chance that she will be mobilised by the army.
In Shen’s stockpile are adequate amounts of water and rations which can last him through a long period of time.
Electricity and Internet services are still working and Shen further said that as long as these are working, he does not see a need to escape from Ukraine yet.
He had already made evacuation plans and will execute them should the need arises, but said that it would be more dangerous to evacuate than stay put at where he is.
He also said that maybe he should tape up his windows in case they cannot withstand the possible upcoming shockwaves.
Talked about the resilience of Ukrainians
Shen also spoke about the resilience of the Ukrainians and said that he has noticed more soldiers being activated by the Government since Russia came knocking onto their borders.
He added that the mood in the capital is now ‘tense’ due to the start of the invasion already occuring.
Most stores are either closed or have ceased operations due to the city being placed on a curfew by the military.
Shen also said that the Ukrainians which he encountered does not seem to be panicky, but rather resilient.
On his part, he wishes to stay behind to play a part as he would not be able to live with himself if he just left like that.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has on 25 Feb ordered the full mobilisation of Ukraine’s military forces in response to the threats by Russia.
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Image and Video source: The Straits Times/Youtube, Ix Shen/Facebook, Unsplash.com