Introducing Valeriia of the Citizens of Ukraine cast from our current ACHTUNG Nr. 44 “Beruhigt Euch Nicht!” issue.

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ACHTUNG: How did you get to Berlin?

Valeriia: At the end of April I decided to leave Ukraine and texted a friend in Warsaw asking her if she wants to go to Berlin. She immediately said yes. I went to Warsaw first and we took a train to Berlin. We just bought one-way tickets in the hope to stay for a long time.

ACHTUNG: Why Berlin? 

Valeriia: I still did not find the right answer for that. I guess Berlin reminds me of Kyiv. It feels like home to me. It’s a city of opportunities for everyone who comes here. Six years ago, Kyiv had become such a city for me.

ACHTUNG: What did you do in Ukraine? What are you doing now?

Valeriia: I studied political science in Kyiv. Also, I was modeling and worked as a styling assistant. Last year I started knitting and crocheting clothes and accessories. To my surprise people liked what I did, and I started to sell my stuff I made, so my plan was to start my own brand and I was super excited about this. But the war changed everything. I would love to start my brand here in Berlin some day.

ACHTUNG: Where do you go to find hope?

Valeriia: My family. Only my family makes me feel that I’m not alone. I also find hope in Ukrainian people. I always knew that they are strong. And now the whole world knows it, too.

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ACHTUNG: What color/smell has home?

Valeriia: A smell of freedom as does Berlin. Both are cities of contrast; every district looks different. It feels like Kyiv and Berlin have their own soul.

ACHTUNG: The one piece of clothes that you (brought with you and) would never give away?

Valeriia: An oversized leather jacket.

ACHTUNG: What do we still not understand about Ukrainians?

Valeriia: That the war is not over yet. We still need support.

ACHTUNG: Your wish for the future?

Valeriia: That war will not happen again. For no one and nowhere.

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