Oceane Theard
While Vladimir Putin announced on Monday his intention to deploy troops in the east of the country to “maintain peace” and recognized the independence of the two self-proclaimed republics in the region, Donetsk and Lugansk, the time is for concern . The front lines could indeed be set ablaze, and French expatriates are increasingly wondering whether they should leave Ukraine.
While Russian tanks are reportedly heading towards Donetsk, a Ukrainian city in Donbass and the front line could be set ablaze in the coming days, French expatriates present in Ukraine are asking themselves more and more questions. Go or stay? This is what Johann, a 36-year-old expatriate, has been living in Ukraine for three years and in Kiev for a year. With his companion Svetlana, they made their arrangements in the event of a hasty departure and confided their dilemma to Europe 1.
“I filled up the truck”
“We weren’t really worried. I’m not really the type to watch the news, but for a few days I’ve been watching every hour. On social networks we have also been able to see videos of tanks parading and entering Ukraine. And I don’t think it’s a joke,” he said.
Johann and his companion have therefore prepared everything, just in case. “I filled up the truck, we took some food… We live from day to day but we still have our bags ready. In case of bad news, I take Svetlana with me and we go. ‘go,’ he assures. “We are not going to take unnecessary risks, we are not warriors, we are not soldiers. It is useless to play the warriors, they say.”