“Once I lost control”: Nino Preuss (19) leaves Gymi to report from Ukraine

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After the war breaks out, the game over screen doesn’t just pop up, which is what I wanted to show. That’s why I traveled to Kiev. The reactions of people around me: from very concerned to supportive – everything was there. I didn’t learn much in high school that was useful. I hardly had time for journalistic projects. Then I thought: something has to change now. I want to become a journalist. When, if not now, will I have the energy to pursue something new? And if I ever regret my school days: the final diploma for adults only lasts two years.

In August I went to Kiev, I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t speak the language. I arranged a place to sleep for the first few nights with a young couple via an internet platform. On the one hand it was cheap; my savings from my job as a bicycle courier were limited.

A cameraman and stupid jokes

On the other hand, I didn’t want to be alone for the first few nights in case there was an air raid. Serhii and Sofiia showed me the city, their favorite places and places to avoid: a cheap coffee house where the coffee is said to be disgusting.

I also met Vlad through the platform. He wrote: “Hey, I don’t have a place to stay, but if you need a cameraman, contact us.” Most recently we supervised a school day in Kiev. It was the first since the start of the war, and for some even since the corona pandemic.

I hardly asked any questions, the students spoke for themselves. There was no question of war. It was just about letting everyone sit together in class again and make stupid jokes.

Everyone knows guns and the army

Just let people talk – that’s my strategy. Here I hear from reporters who are always on the hunt for the next sensation. They don’t care how those affected feel. I don’t want to work like that. What interests me are the people and how they deal with daily life during war.

When an air raid siren goes off, I check Telegram. There the air force announces what is coming in. For example: a fighter jet took off from Russia, possibly with hypersonic missiles on board. Perhaps ‘just’ cruise missiles, interception, would be possible.

Some then go to the subway, but many stay in their apartments. You will quickly learn military terms here; they are often used in conversations. When I talk to people from Switzerland, I have to explain to them. In Ukraine, everyone has a basic knowledge of military strategy and weapons.

I lost control once. I had to spend an unplanned night on the top floor of a detached high-rise building, the most dangerous place during an air raid. I woke up at four in the morning – air raid! Defense missiles were fired four blocks away and flew over the roof. After two explosions I came back to my senses, ran down the stairs in my pajamas and disappeared. That shouldn’t have happened.

Inflation, online jobs and exit

Inflation is one of the most important factors affecting the daily lives of young people. Most work outside of school, many in online jobs. A friend for an app that lets you put together outfits. She does this until three in the morning. Young men live with the constant fear of being drafted quickly. But they also go to bars or parties in the evening. Life does not stand still.

In the afternoon I sit in the café with my laptop and write down experiences from the previous day. I’ll meet people later. I’m a night owl, like a lot of people here. I don’t separate leisure and work; people usually spontaneously tell me the best stories. When I get back to Switzerland I will process all the material. I have already published some texts on a blog.

Happiness – and death at the front

In Kiev the normal situation is unstable. In a barely legal bar, a young woman who had fled to Poland after the outbreak of war said how happy she was to finally be back. Shortly afterwards, an acquaintance told me that his father had died at the front six months ago.

Such contrasts are everyday life here. Even if people find a way to deal with the air raid sirens, I don’t think there will be fireworks in Kiev again anytime soon.

Source: Blick