<we had been chatting prior to starting recording>
Vic: So you said you believe in the Ghost of Kyiv?
Oleh: I did believe.
Vic: You did believe?
Oleh: I did believe, like first couple of months of the war. I really thought it was a real person. But then it like became, became obvious in a couple of months that it’s like a collective, let’s say, how to call it, imaginary collective.
Vic: Like a squadron?
Ihor: Yeah, idea of this like, defensive.
Vic: Pes Patron, you don’t like?
Oleh: I can’t say I don’t like, but it’s like, a story just for the media. And I think anybody can- nobody can explain how Pes Patron is helpful, and what he really did. <laughs> Like it’s just a story for social media.
Vic: Alright.
Oleh: Yeah. And then- of course we have this videos when Pes Patron gets a prize from a president, like a medal of something, but I guess it’s like also like for social media. And maybe it’s good like, for, for civilians who following it, like for mood, for their mood. Positive mood and stuff. But I guess there are, like, real people who does real things, which are valuable and really has- have influence to our state in the war, than Pes Patron <laughs>. That’s my, that’s my point, and I don’t say it’s bad or I don’t like it. I just don’t think that it’s something serious and something valuable.
Vic: Okay. Are there any other characters that you like more or do you just not, you’re not interested at all?
Oleh: Maybe, maybe, but they’re not on my mind now. We just talk about Johnson.
Vic: <laughs> Yeah.
Oleh: And it’s like a funny story, which I would never like even remember if not Valeriia.
Vic: Yeah. Things like- do you think that a little old lady was able to destroy a drone by throwing a jar of pickles?
Oleh: <laughs> I don’t think so. I don’t think so but it’s like, it’s a story about strong Ukrainian people who are, who are ready to defend themselves. It’s like about collective story about those people, and not exactly this like, story is real.
Vic: Yeah, yeah. It’s the idea of it is more important.
Oleh: Yeah, it’s idea. Who else can I remember? What were the most interesting stories you have heard so far?
Vic: I mean everyone loves like Ghost of Kyiv and Pes Petron.
Oleh: Ghost of Kyiv.
Vic: I hear a lot of stories about, like, ladies in the occupied territory, like, pretending they’re pro-Russian and making tea for the Russians that actually has poison in it, that sort of thing. I mean Snake Island is another, “Russian warship, go fuck yourself”. It’s very popular.
Oleh: Yeah, but-
Vic: Yeah, that’s a real person, like there’s the recordings.
Oleh: Real story.
Vic: Yeah, yeah. Um. Now I can’t think of them. <laughs>
Oleh: A real story, and this island became a symbol. It became a symbol. I guess many people will be willing to visit it one day, because it’s like a very symbolic story.
Vic: You reckon tourism opportunity after victory?
Oleh: I hope. I hope that they will exist.
Vic: Will you go visit?
Oleh: Ehhh. I’m trying not to build many plans, like, for years and years ahead because- it’s a bit, it becomes a bit sad when you’re understanding that it’s not in two weeks, it’s not in two months, it’s not in two years, and you don’t know when it will definitely happen. So I limit my planning period. Not planning anything too far.
Vic: Yeah. Well thank you for that.
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