Students from different backgrounds shared their perspectives and struggles of their lives during the Russian and Ukrainian war.
At least 8,000 civilians have died and 14 million are displaced from their homes, according to the United Nations Human Rights Office. Ukraine was predicted to fall within days after the initial invasion. Against all odds, Ukraine is still standing strong against a much larger force. Ukrainian student Erik Sarkisian reflects in pride for his country’s resistance to Russia’s attempted takeover.
“Ukraine is fighting really great. I like how my guys from my country, my brothers, are fighting,” said Sarkisian. “I’m really proud of them because they are fighting with an army that is like three or four times stronger and bigger than Ukraine’s army.”
Sarkisian witnessed a missile attack last summer at a shopping mall in his hometown where he grew up at.
“I was shocked,” Sarkisian said. “That was really hard for me because I spent my childhood there with my friends.”
Aside from Sarkisian and his struggles, a Russian university student discussed what it’s like living in Moscow during wartime. Florida Focus has concealed their identity in order to protect them from reprisals.
“There were a couple of accidents in Russia that I heard of that people were expelled from their universities for sharing their opinions about the war,” said the anonymous Russian student.
The student went on to discuss feeling uncomfortable every time they see propaganda for war. The letter Z became the main war symbol in Russia meaning “For Victory” and “For Truth.”
“Every time I see those Z signs and V signs it makes my day worse,” they said. “Those signs mean “for truth” and I just hate when I see those signs.”
The student believes people outside of Russian territory will come together and hope this story will shed light on those who are not supportive of Putin’s regime.
“We just are like kind of scared that there are going to be consequences about the things we say,” said the Russian student. “Most of the people, especially in Moscow, they know that the thing that’s going on is not good, and if they could change something they would, but it’s not really easy.”
President Biden made a surprise trip to Ukraine last week to show his support and announce a delivery of military equipment and additional sanctions against Russia.
Editor’s Note: The reporter for this story, Anna Ostraya, is from Russia and added to her story:
“In full disclosure, I am an international student in the U.S., from Russia,” says Reporter Ostraya. “I can attest that Russian television is not the only place that showcases war propaganda, the Russian Government now takes it to capital streets.”
Credits
Reporter/Producer/Anchor: Anna Ostraya
Video Editor: Antonio Delucca
Web Editor: Diego Adesso
Web Managing Editors: Hannah Hallili and Shae Knowles
Graduate Assistant: McKenzie Muskett
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Stephanie Anderson, Wayne Garcia
