“Everyday nonstop, the night before the news, are we checking if our family members and friends are okay, or if someone needs something… Horuna, a native of Lviv, stated that there is no time for complaining or to reevaluate your life. It’s how it is. It’s a crucial moment.”
Horuna, who took bronze at the Tokyo Games last summer is one of many Ukrainian athletes that have given up everything to stop the Russian invasion.
Horuna stated that he was called at 4 AM on the first day. He had the opportunity to leave, but he declined. He said, “We’ll make it work.”
Horuna stated that he didn’t want to be a soldier due to the restrictions on freedom, but that he and other Ukrainian citizens felt a call to fight in the ongoing conflict.
He said, “We don’t have the proper military preparation and fighting experience. But, we’re on our land, at home, and ready to protect.”
We will kill if necessary. We will shoot. He said that there is no other option.
Horuna stated that the experience was mentally and emotionally draining. He said he feels helpless and angry. On Wednesday, Russia was accused of striking a maternity center in Mariupol. Horuna, the father of one, stated that he had asked his commanders to send Horuna there. Because he lacks military experience, they rejected the idea.
He claimed that they had told him to “stay there and protect this territory.” Because an enemy can come here and someone needs to fight.
Horuna stated to CBS News that he believes Putin would invade Europe further if Ukraine didn’t stand strong defense.
He said, “Now, Putin has become the symbol of terrorist aggression.” He ordered violence without any real reason. His soldiers were ordered to kill innocent civilians in Ukraine. It was only a matter time before he went to Poland, Slovakia Estonia Finland, Estonia and so forth.
The 33-year old marveled at how many people have come from more than 50 countries to fight for Ukraine.
He said, “They know that the entire world is now at risk of the Third World War.” Putin must be stopped.
Horuna expressed pride in the unity of Ukrainians, even during times of turmoil and tragedy.
He said, “Now, as a nation, we all are one, we are all one, so it makes me proud to be a part of my people.”
