Ukrainian crisis: in Kiev, how are the inhabitants reacting to the renewed tension?

The “de-escalation” desired by Emmanuel Macron in the Ukrainian file is far from being on the agenda. Joe Bien has threatened Russia with economic sanctions in the event of an invasion of Ukraine. And Vladimir Putin’s response was not long in coming. The Russian president described this potential response from the United States as “destructive”. In Kiev, the inhabitants expressed their weariness and their incomprehension in the face of this endless crisis at the microphone of Marion Gauthier, our special correspondent.

“A Sad Habit”

In Maïdan, Place de l’Indépendance, the center of the pro-European demonstrations in 2014, the atmosphere is particularly calm. Tourists carry around their cameras and local residents, imperturbable, go their way. Spikes of tension and troop movements on the border have become a sad habit, says Dimas. This 30-year-old was mobilized for two years on the front. He says he is ready to return if necessary.

“There will be nothing new. Nothing will change. It’s starting again,” he laments at the microphone of Europe 1. “I can’t understand what Putin is really looking for. He wants Ukrainian territory . And if he has Ukraine, what will happen next? He thinks he’s a king.”

Sergei, he had volunteered to go fight in 2014. He was then 17 years old. Like Dimas, he is ready to take up arms again. “All of this has become a political game”, he observes on Europe 1. “People know it and are waiting. They are trying to distance themselves. I will only believe in the conflict when it breaks out”.

“No one will abandon Ukraine”

The question “why?” is on everyone’s lips. Olga resigns herself and castigates the quarrels of politicians. “The only tension there is, it is mainly by what we see on television”, she explains on Europe 1. “But on a daily basis, I do not feel anything in particular. I live as I life as usual. Everything is normal. People are quite optimistic. But if necessary, people will go to defend their homeland. No one will abandon Ukraine like that.”

Alexei and Tatiana keep an eye on their son and repeat, as if to convince themselves, that there will be no invasion. “I think it’s just a provocation from the Russians. Nothing will happen,” said Alexei. “They want to lock us up in fear. We want to believe that everything will be fine. We are afraid for our children. So many innocent people have already died.”

Even far from the border, under the apparent calm of the streets, the city bears the wounds of the conflict well. The Maidan memorial recalls that dozens of people fell during the pro-European demonstrations;