The Russian invasion of Ukraine has lasted for nearly two weeks but for UNBC Timberwolves basketball player Vova Pluzhinkov it’s felt like an eternity.
His hometown of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine has been one of the main target points for the Russian military.
The city sustained a blitzkrieg of rocket attacks that left several people dead and hundreds more injured.
Last week, a TV tower was bombed killing five people in the city centre as rockets, shelling, and other forms of artillery were used during the attack.
In an interview with MyPGNow.com, Pluzhnikov stated the hardest part was the very beginning.
“I didn’t know what to do with myself. I pretty much spent the first few days looking at the news, watching videos including the live streams from Kyiv and Kharkiv. I was just trying to stay in touch with what was happening at that time and of course, I was trying to stay in touch with my family.”
“I lost track of time. I couldn’t tell what day it was at that point and then as the days went on I realized that I still have a life here and a team that needs me as we were trying to finish our regular season.”
To say Pluzhinkov is mostly focused on what is going on across the pond would be an understatement.
Both of his parents along with his brother and his wife are still in the country to remain in a safe zone while war activities are occurring.
“There were days where they were pretty much the same. My parents were listening to the announcements and the warnings and sirens to make sure they had enough time to move between the apartment and to a nearby shelter. My brother and his wife recently made the decision to cross the country and look for a safe place in Western Ukraine,” said Pluzhinkov.
“My parents stayed behind and decided to stay in Kharkiv. Thankfully, they have a house just outside of Kharkiv outside of the city limits and yesterday they decided to move to that house because it was the safer option.”
In addition, Pluzhikov’s cousin works as a baker, and his facility is doing its part to help feed the majority of the population who are displaced due to the conflict.
“He was hiding with his family at their apartment and then he got a call from his employer and she asked him if he was willing to come in and work making some bread and other products for people. He said he wouldn’t leave his family.”
“A couple of minutes later he got a call back asking him if he was able to move his family to the bakery and if they were willing to help. They made the move and have been working since then and have been providing bread for the people in need, the people hiding in the underground train station and subway as well as the lead department and local military forces.”
Steps have been taken by various organizations and levels of government to hamper Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to fund the war as well as banning liquor products and oil exports from that country until further notice.
While the sanctions have not put a dent into the short-term future of the invasion, Pluzhnikov thinks the biggest impacts will be felt further down the road.
“These are long-term economic strategies that are aimed to detour the Russian Federation from extending this conflict and potentially moving on to different territories. It is a strong message and a sign from NATO that they are protecting other territories and to enter the war if needed.”
“The people of Ukraine have been asking NATO to close the sky. Unfortunately, that policy would mean NATO would be entering the war. If Russia decides to not follow the rules and continue shelling and bombing over civilian buildings and Ukrainian cities – unfortunately, that would mean NATO would have to enter the war and I believe those western countries aren’t willing to do that just yet.”
If there has been a bright spot during the invasion, it’s been the fearless leadership shown by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who has encouraged his countrymen to fight back and go on the offensives against the Russian military.
Pluzhinkov believes this is the exact kind of leadership the country needs during a time of crisis.
“We have been struggling at finding the right person that could run the country and lead our nation. It is very motivating seeing something like that come out and be that person to lead 44 million people behind him.”
Tomorrow (Tuesday), Pluzhinkov will be holding an event called Run for Ukraine where he will run 44 kilometres, which is from City Hall to the base of University Hill, and back, five times.
The 26-year-old is raising funds and awareness for the issues in Ukraine, specifically the National Bank of Ukraine’s account for Humanitarian Assistance.
The funds will be used by the Ministry of Social Policy to provide food and shelter for refugees and displaced citizens due to military conflict.
“Running is embedded in the Northern BC culture and this community loves to participate in those kinds of events. I just realized doing multiple runs and having participated in other initiatives I decided it would be a very engaging way to let the community get involved and participate.”
Last week, PG City Council showed its support for Ukraine at its most recent and even raised the Ukraine flag at city hall a couple of days later. It’s sentiments like that, which stand out to Pluzhnikov.
“You can tell that they are willing to support our people and the local Ukrainian community. It warms my heart that there is a safety net like this.”
The run begins at 6 am and will wrap up with an event at City Hall following the conclusion of the final leg.
To donate, click here for the Red Cross Page.
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