Russia’s war against Ukraine is destroying lives, infrastructure and future prospects. Pasha from Kyiv experiences this painfully
Pasha (25) from Kyiv dreams of a heavy metal career. But Russia’s war of aggression also affects its prospects. In a telephone interview with Watson he talks about everyday life without electricity, the threat of military service and concerts when drone strikes threaten.
Feb 9, 2026, 7:58 p.mFeb 9, 2026, 7:58 p.m
Pasha, what is your dream?
Ever since I went to a rock concert as a little boy, I’ve wanted to be a musician. Of course, the war complicates this plan. Many people in Ukraine have given up and given up on their dreams. Or they died. My dream is still alive. I want to be on a big stage someday. I’m already part of a death metal band called “Shpak” in which I mainly play guitar.
Before we talk about music: What does your everyday life look like at the moment?
I get up early and go straight to the store. I work in a store that sells, among other things, e-cigarettes. I stay there for around twelve hours a day. Because of new regulations after the start of the war, weekly working hours in Ukraine can be very long. After work I sometimes devote myself to music. I live in an apartment with friends. We support each other.
“The Russians are coming to kill us Ukrainians.”
You recently turned 25 and have therefore been called up for military service. Do you have to go to war soon?
I won’t be drafted until at least next year. Certain companies that are important to the economy can reserve potential soldiers as workers. My employer did that. That’s why I have a document that I can show to the recruiting authorities. But I still worry, not just for myself but for others too.
Why?
Because of the way the recruiting agency works. In front of the store I sometimes see uniformed people and their parked minivans. They stop young men and check whether they are already 25 years old and have completed mandatory registration with the army. There are many reports of how they drag young men into vehicles and take them to a recruiting center. I don’t trust these people, partly because they… corrupt are.
“We support each other mentally”: Pasha (second from right) with his bandmates from “SHPAK”.
Are you afraid of having to go to the front?
That’s a difficult question. The Russians are coming to kill us Ukrainians. It’s logical that we fight. But I don’t trust those in charge in the military. For them you are just a number. Three years ago, Zelensky launched a major counteroffensive. Many soldiers died unnecessarily. I do not want that. If my confidence were greater, I might want to fight more.
You are not allowed to leave the country. Have you ever thought about running away?
I tried.
What happened?
Me and a few others paid smugglers to help us escape. We tried to get to Romania illegally. But the border authorities apparently knew we were coming. 20 kilometers from the border, special forces suddenly appeared, their weapons pointed at us. I surrendered immediately. Some of us were drafted straight away. I wasn’t yet 25 years old back then. That’s why they let me go.
Was military service the main reason for attempting to escape?
Various factors played a role. Of course I don’t want to fight in this bloody war when the chances of survival are very low and drones are hunting you. I also wonder what I should fight for. For land that will later be exchanged under US supervision? For corrupt politicians? And I wanted to live a better life.
“When I stand on stage, give it my all and the adrenaline is flowing, I forget everything.”
There are currently power and water supply outages in Kiev. Heaters also don’t work because Russia is attacking the Ukrainian energy infrastructure. All of this in sub-zero temperatures. How are you affected by this?
Sometimes my block is without power for a long time, once it was several days. But I am privileged because my apartment doesn’t get too cold without heating and the water usually flows. I know of people on the ninth floor who can’t wash at home or use the toilet when there’s a power outage because the water pump fails. This is really bad. The Russians increase attacks on energy infrastructure every winter. Everyone is affected by this.
Residential buildings are also regularly the target of drone attacks. How do you have to protect yourself from them?
Where I live has no military installations or energy infrastructure, which Russia primarily attacks. In the past four years, only four drones have struck nearby. So I just try to stay away from the windows. It’s different when the warning app indicates a rocket impact.
Tell me
If a rocket hits my home, at least half the block will be gone. In the event of a missile attack, I seek shelter in a basement under a school, not far from my home. A year ago, the Russians carried out a large-scale missile attack over the course of one night. The noise was terrifying.
Pasha is primarily a guitarist, but he also knows how to play the drums.
Does music help you process the war and such experiences?
Yes definitely. Music is a way to escape reality. When I’m on stage, giving it my all and the adrenaline is flowing, I forget everything. Even when things aren’t looking too good.
You have performed repeatedly with your band in recent years. For us who live in peace, concerts in times of war are difficult to imagine. How does this work?
Large concerts would be too dangerous. But small concerts in nightclubs are possible and take place all over Kiev. When the drone alarm sounds, the bands briefly interrupt the performance and people run into the basement. Then the show continues.
What do you say to a person who calls a concert during war a luxury?
We have to move on somehow. We don’t stop living our lives because of the war. The war could last for years. But I am very aware that concerts are only possible because of our armed forces. That’s why we collected money for them at a performance. Around $5,000 was raised.
Pasha, what gives you hope?
I have a mother and friends who love me. And I have this life, only this life, in which I can achieve something.