With the start of Russia’s attacks on Ukraine on February 24, many striking pictures of the war came. However, one of the thousands of photographs that revealed the bitter face of the war had become a symbol of the war. The injured face of Olena Kurilo, photographed by AA photojournalist Wolfgang Schwan in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine, made headlines all over the world and was engraved in the memories. The woman, about whom many wonders, made her first interview with AA 9 months later. Schwan, on the other hand, took pictures of the recovered Ukrainian woman, this time after she filmed the moment when Kurilo, who was a teacher, was injured. Those striking details in the first Kurilo’s interview…
Photo that became a symbol of the Russia-Ukraine war
“I HAVE DUST AND GLASS PIECES IN MY EYES”
Expressing that the rocket hit the building he lived in, Kurilo stated that there were dust and glass fragments in his eyes due to the explosion and that he should have an operation as soon as possible.
“I had to have an operation and clinics in Ukraine did not accept me, but thanks to British journalists and newspapers, I had 3 operations in Poland.” Kurilo said that he will have an operation in London and that there is a chance of regaining 50 percent of his eyesight.
“I became the face of the Ukraine war, but I realized that it was not a coincidence. I realized that it had a purpose and I had a mission. My mission is now to help people,” Kurilo said. Using his expressions, Kurilo said that he mostly talked about Ukraine because his duty now is to help Ukraine’s victory, support his country and make his voice heard as much as possible.
THE CLAIM OF THE RUSSIAN PRESS “HE IS AN ACTRESS AND THE PHOTO IS FROM 5 YEARS AGO”
Kurilo said he was shocked to learn that the Russian media claimed that he was “an actress and the photo is from 5 years ago”.
“At first I was very surprised, but then when I saw all this, I started to smile. They said I was an officer. They were trying to find and use pictures of other women, but they didn’t look like me.” Kurilo said, noting that he made an interview to clarify the news in the Russian press.
“I SAID ‘STARTED’ THE DAY I HEAR THE SOUNDS OF BOMBS”
Kurilo emphasized that Russia followed the news before its invasion of Ukraine, that he understood that Putin was not joking, but that he believed that this would not happen.
“The day I heard the bombings, I said ‘it started.’ We wanted to believe it was a dream and we couldn’t believe that something like this could happen in Europe in the 21st century.” Kurilo said that Russia has started a “special military operation”.
Olena Kurilo expressed that she “absolutely no doubt” that her country can win this war with the “unshakable spirit” and “motivation” of the Ukrainian people from the first minute of the attacks.
“If we win, Putin will not be able to go any further because he will not have the resources to achieve them. This victory is important for everyone and I believe people understand that. Ours against Putin,” Kurilo said. Our victory will be the victory of the whole world.” he said.
Besides, emphasizing that many things depend on the countries that support Ukraine, Kurilo noted that his country needs more weapons to fight, and the more weapons are available, the sooner victory will be achieved.
“I DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO ME IF THEY WERE NOT HERE”
Kurilo stated that his life had completely changed and he never thought that he would live in Europe. said.
Expressing that with the start of the war, people close to them suddenly moved away because they did not support them, Kurilo said that many Ukrainians or their relatives were in Russia and now they are on two different sides.
“I hope one day they will understand what is important in life,” Kurilo said. used the phrase.
On the other hand, Kurilo said that people he didn’t know before became close and made friends with him. “I want these friendships to last a long time. I don’t know what would have happened to me if they weren’t here.” said. (AA)
