Kharkiv, a city in northeastern Ukraine, has been under heavy attacks from Russian terrorists. Despite the ongoing shelling and attempts to drive people out of the city, residents are determined to defend their city. While many people initially fled following the conflict that began on February 24, 2022, a significant number have since returned to seek refuge. However, Austrian residents have left the city in recent years.
Vsevolod Koschemyako, the Austrian Honorary Consul in Kharkiv and a prominent businessman who founded a volunteer battalion to defend his homeland, shared his belief that Russia would not be able to completely destroy or conquer his hometown. He expressed his concerns and hopes for his city while acknowledging the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
Koschemyako highlighted the impacts of the attacks on infrastructure and civilian areas in the city. He expressed concern over the targeting of residential buildings and disruptions to essential services like water and electricity. Despite this, he remained optimistic about Kharkiv’s ability to withstand Russian forces.
Koschemyako emphasized the need for Austria to provide medical support and equipment to the city and urged the country to reconsider its economic ties with Russia. By taking a stand against Russia, Austria could make a significant contribution to the current crisis in Ukraine. Koschemyako also stressed the importance of solidarity among the Russian community in Austria in light of the events unfolding in Ukraine.
As founder of “Khartiya” volunteer battalion, Koschemyako has played an important role in its transformation into an official brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard. While he acts as an advisor to the commander of Ukraine’s National Guard, he continues to provide support and guidance to his comrades in