Svyatoslav, you have been in the Armed Forces for about a month. How is the role change from the musician to the lieutenant of the Armed Forces for you?
In fact, nothing has changed. Like now, for Plast [National Scout Organization of Ukraine] members, I sing for people in the east of Ukraine, for fighters, in the subway, at the train station. And seriously, it is a great honor for me to be part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It was a conscious decision. So far, my main functions are to meet people, lift their spirits, and give a particular charge of energy. But we are well aware that war can come to anyone.
Do you have a weapon?
Of course, I'm an officer.
Do you know how to use it? Are you training?
I am learning how to use it with dignity.
If the command orders you to take a machine gun instead of a guitar, will you be ready for it?
A person in the army must understand that he must be ready for anything. How can one go to the military and then say, "I'm not ready to take up arms"?
How many Ukrainian cities have you already visited during the full-scale invasion?
Many, dozens. I don't even count anymore. These are not only big cities but also towns. Two, three a day. A couple of dozen for sure.
What impressed you the most during your visits to the cities where the war came?
The most touching thing is the level of patriotism of all Ukrainians—no matter where I was. Everyone is ready to fight for their country, go to the end and win. We are the bravest nation in the world, and I am proud of that.
Was it scary?
I'm always scared. I'm an ordinary person. It seems to me that a person who has no fear has certain mental disorders. That is, all people are afraid. The question is not that you have no fear, the question is whether you can master it. I try to master it because I think that what I do is important.
Were you under fire?
I did not come under direct fire where I had been. But there were dangerous situations in which, so to speak, it is not easy to be. But I don't want to talk about it. Until the end of the war, I will not share this.
Are you traveling under extra protection, in a bulletproof vest?
These are questions I should not answer. How I drive, with what team, what form of protection I have, in which car, which routes I choose - I would like to keep for myself. These issues are not public.
What is the mood of the people you meet in Kharkiv or Okhtyrka?
Wonderful, fighting mood. The mayor of Okhtyrka (Pavlo Kuzmenko. - Author) treats a situation even with humor. When we got there, I asked, "How are you?" He replied that everything was great. Nothing had dropped down yet on that day. But in fact, the joke of a man who went through it has a lot of tears, grief, and feelings. Okhtyrka, for example, is half-destroyed, and I don't know how long it will take to restore it.
In Mykolayiv, you met one of, let's say, heroes of this war Vitaly Kim (the chairman of the Mykolayiv regional state administration. - the Author). What are your impressions?
The same as from his videos. He is in his place, works, and does everything so that Mykolayiv region isn't under the enemy. He fights, and stops the invasion. It seems to me that he is a good leader.
Is he also so positive in communication?
He is focused. Of course, his role is to inspire people on camera. I think he does it in everyday life. But most importantly, it seems to me that he is focused and knows what he is doing.
As a political opponent, you used to criticize Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Why an opponent?
"Holos" ["Voice"] and "Servant of the People" were rivals in the parliamentary elections.
I did not consider anyone my opponent. I came into politics to bring in new people. I did it, and, actually, I am no longer involved in politics.
Okay, how do you like Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the war?
I fully support it. I believe that the whole country is now fighting the enemy, and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief is performing his functions.
You have repeatedly addressed the Russians. Was there any reaction to these appeals?
We'll see. There was some, but we have to wait. Water sharpens the stone. But I think that my appeals are not enough.
Maybe some of the Russian musicians, particularly those who condemned the annexation of Crimea, somehow reacted?
At the level of Facebook posts. And at the level of their departure abroad. Because they can't stay in this country, but it is also indirectly their fault that they have suffered for so many years. And when it was too late to do something, they just left because people who have conscience can't stay there. But it does not help Ukraine now.
Instead, the musicians of Massive Attack (British trip-hop band. - Ed.) supported you.
These are my acquaintances. We maintain a relationship, Rob (Robert Del Naja, leader of the Massive Attack. - Ed.) wrote to me immediately after the Russian attack. He asked if everything was fine. And I just started actively communicating with him. We have many joint creative plans, but I will not talk about it yet.
After the victory?
Maybe not after the victory, but, so to speak, so far, I have too little time. I want to spend all my time with the guys at the front, supporting refugees, hospitals, etc. I travel a lot, and I don't have the physical time to implement creative plans.
Did any other foreign musicians send words of support?
I have little contact with anyone, but many well-known Western journalists and politicians have supported us. Many do it publicly, on Facebook or Twitter, many privately, by phone.
Are you writing music or poetry during the war?
It is not possible to fully engage in music now. There are no instruments. I come up with some melodies a bit, but poetry works better. Because poetry requires nothing but a phone on which you can write it down.
Svyatoslav, what would you say to those who say that Vakarchuk is in the Armed Forces for PR?
Nothing. Why should I talk to them? I'm doing my job.
And what would you say to those who say that in the Armed Forces Vakarchuk, as well as in parliament, is for a short time?
Look, this is an entirely different situation. As soon as there is a need for demobilization, I demobilize. I'm not going to be a professional soldier. And by the way, when I went to the parliament, I told people that my job was to bring in the right people, not make a political career. I believe that politicians are involved in politics, and musicians are involved in music. But now the situation is such that we have a war in the country. War is everyone's business. I am doing what I can and will do as much as my country needs.
When will the war end?
Nobody knows that. We do not make predictions. Everyone should approach our victory. We will not bring victory closer with the phrase "how long will the war last". And by daily work, we will.
Will we win?
One hundred percent.
Why such confidence?
As someone wrote, we will win because we have no right to lose.
