Eugene Chukhriy

Self-portrait for Let’s Talk Durham

Odesa-based lead singer of rock band Virgin Call, Eugene Chukhriy, reveals all for us:

Where are you now and are you safe?

I am in Odesa and have not traveled outside this region since the beginning of the war. Our lives have been turned upside down overnight. Many are experiencing intense, primal fear. There is confusion. You don’t understand what to do, what is the best course of action. I am in my hometown, with my family. The decision to stay was made almost instantly. For me, this is the most "safe" place. But the war is near. Sirens howl daily. Rockets fly. Explosions are heard from air defense.

Why do you think Putin hates Ukrainians so much?

They hate us ‘cause they ain’t us.

What do you think will stop the war?

In theory, there are a lot of options, though in reality they seem non-existent or impossible. At first, I believed that the negotiations would bear fruit and that diplomacy would lead to resolution. However, the aggressor in this equation has proven to be an unreasonable opponent, more interested in terrorism than diplomacy. Victory can be achieved only by squeezing the enemy back into their territory. We also must strengthen our defensive power to prevent future enemy offensives. For this, Ukraine needs support from the mighty countries of the world in the form of weapons.

Stop War by Virgin Call. Animation by Oleg Andreyev

Favorite bar in Odesa?

Nipper Bar. It’s a cozy place in the city center, probably the only bar that plays vinyl records. They will even play your records on their turntable, a feature I have taken advantage of with my own vinyl collection. Unfortunately, this special place has not been operational since the beginning of the war.

Z is for________?

Z is for diZaster.