In Bilytske, a mining town near Pokrovsk, Nikolai, born in 1941, looks back on a life spent in the Donbas. A former miner, he recalls the workers’ protests he took part in under Soviet rule. As the fighting draws closer and evacuations begin, he must now consider leaving the town where he has spent most of his life.
A Russian speaker, Nikolai wants Ukraine to win and openly expresses his opposition to Vladimir Putin. His daughter, who supports Russia, does not share his convictions. Their disagreements lead to arguments but have not broken their family bonds.
“I wanted Ukraine to win, and I still do. Putin is an animal. Sometimes the Russians call us their ‘brothers’. But what kind of brothers are they?”
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Ukraine, Bilytske, 2025-04-05. Nikolai, born in 1941, is a former miner living in Bilytske, near Pokrovsk, in the Donbas. As Russian forces approach, he recalls his involvement in miners' protests…
Ukraine, Bilytske, 2025-04-05. Nikolai, born in 1941, is a former miner living in Bilytske, near Pokrovsk, in the Donbas. As Russian forces approach, he recalls his involvement in miners' protests…
Ukraine, Bilytske, 2025-04-05. Nikolai, born in 1941, is a former miner living in Bilytske, near Pokrovsk, in the Donbas. As Russian forces approach, he recalls his involvement in miners' protests…
Ukraine, Bilytske, 2025-04-05. Nikolai, born in 1941, is a former miner living in Bilytske, near Pokrovsk, in the Donbas. As Russian forces approach, he recalls his involvement in miners' protests…