Metroland columnist and YMCA Employment and Learning Centre’s Lisa Cook introduces a new series in partnership with Ukrainian journalist Dasha Kotliar: “In Their Words: Ukrainians in Parry Sound.”
On Feb. 24, when Russia launched war against free Ukraine and civilians, Ukrainian lives were irrevocably changed, just as they were with the occupation of Crimea eight years ago, when Russia illegally annexed the peninsula.
Ukrainian doctor Serhii Dub, who recently arrived in Parry Sound with his family, tells about life during the occupation, while taking a pro-Ukrainian stand.
In 2014, a so-called referendum was held in Crimea, after which the Crimean peninsula was occupied by Russia.
“The reality is that there was no referendum — it was an imitation of a referendum,” said Dub. “It was not about the desires of the masses. Russians were imported to participate. There were only two questions, and only one possible answer of ‘yes’. People had no choice.”
Since the occupation of Crimea, “the quality of medicines, food, building materials has deteriorated,” Dub added. “There is no political freedom; it is impossible to express one's opinion. Schools have become Russian-speaking.
“I was not afraid to express my point-of-view, but many activists were imprisoned and found murdered. I went out with the flag of Ukraine, with friends in Ukrainian traditional shirts on Vyshyvanka Day. And I was detained.
“I participated in pro-Ukrainian actions to show that Crimea is Ukraine, and that we are against occupation.”
In his heart, Dub did not believe war was possible, but logically, he know that war was inevitable. According to Dub, a new hospital building was built nine kilometres from Crimea with only surgery units.
“I was certain that this hospital was built for war, as therapeutic medicine would not be needed, only surgical units. It is located on the side of the road leading to Zaporizhzhia to transport the wounded. They also established a military airport. I was convinced that Putin was preparing for a major war. He clearly didn’t expect such a strong response from the Ukrainian army.”
Dub describes taking his family, and leaving behind a prestigious career as a medical doctor to go overseas.