- Everything that has anything with the Soviet Union to do, must be thrown on the fire – Aftenposten

Sofia Martsjenko there is a need to call a normal 20 year old. She is well underway with a degree in finance, and as a hobby baker she biscuits. She wants it once will grow to be her own business. Now she drinks hot chocolate and thinking a year ago.

– There was a perception among all students at the University that we had to go to Maidan. That it was now we had the chance to make a change, says Martsjenko.

The demonstrations on the Maidan in the center of Kiev began in earnest on 21 November 2013.

– Solidarity and Feeling trust between peoples was absolutely magical. It was truly a special feeling, says 20-year-old.

Ukraine had prolonged negotiations with the EU and the FTA, as the country’s former president Viktor Yanukovych, in November last year withdrew from the agreement. Instead, it became clear that the country had reached an agreement with Russia on cheaper oil and gas. This new line led to major demonstrations.

Bloody Week

The demonstrations continued for several months, but in February went something terribly wrong. After days of clashes between protesters and police, topped situation is February 20th when snipers shot and killed protesters in Institut Kaja street into Maidan. Altogether lost hundreds of lives in the demonstrations.

– My job was to make sure we got made and distributed enough food on the Maidan. When it started to become violent, I did not dare to be there anymore. We sat at home watching TV one night and day and followed, says Sofia Martsjenko.

– I helped many of my friends taped newspapers and magazines to the body, as a kind of shield against stroke. It was a scary time.

War in the East

In retrospect it spread a riot east of the country and on the peninsula of Crimea. On 21 March Crimea incorporated in Russia and prorussiske rebels gained control of major cities such as Donetsk and Luhansk. Altogether now over 5,000 people lost enlivens and over one million people have been displaced.

In the capital Kiev fences painted in flag colors. Over all hangs posters with patriotic slogans. Ukraine has become a polarized country.

– Today the situation is worse in Ukraine than it was a year ago, says Martsjenko when she sees full year.

– I knew it would be difficult , that it would cause problems on the road. But you need both sun and clouds to create a rainbow. I think we will soon see a rainbow over Ukraine, says 20-year-old.

And how would an ideal Ukraine set out for your part?

– Everything that has anything with the Soviet Union to do, must be thrown on the fire. We must invest in technology and education. I realize that it’s not easy, but I think we can see a change for the better for our children. I think certainly is possible.

helene.skjeggestad@aftenposten.no

Published: 19.feb. 2015 9:39 p.m.