"I lived in propaganda for many years, and it also played with me. I am a person who has communicated most of my life in Russian. But since childhood, I have spoken both Russian and Ukrainian, because I started and finished school in Ukrainian. And when I gave interviews in my country after some competitions, I did it exclusively in Ukrainian. And when there were questions about why I speak Russian and not Ukrainian, I thought: "What's the difference? Well, we understand each other." Today I understand that language is your identity, it is your weapon and it is what makes you who you are. I love to live, to rejoice, to go fishing, to swim, to enjoy life. But if someone prevents me from doing this, then we gather together and reclaim our place under the sun. Ukrainians are by nature good people who want to work, live, have fun and even help if someone needs it. If someone tries to interfere with this incredible life, let them be silent.”
