"When I heard on TV that Roma were not fighting for Ukraine, I wanted to show that this is not true"

Viktor Ilchak received an awarded for bravery in the fight to defend Ukraine from Russian aggression. This interview with him accompanies our Fighting for a Fairer Future report, which highlights the contributions made by Roma to Ukraine's defence, examines the war's impact on Roma communities, and offers ideas for inclusive post-war reconstruction.

What is the most difficult challenge you have faced in your life and how did you cope with it? 

The first challenge was the hard life of a person of Roma nationality. I grew up in poverty. The second challenge was the war. I have been a soldier since 2015, since the first occupation of Ukrainian territory, and since the beginning of the full-scale war. I have been serving in the Armed Forces. During all this time, I have had four wounds. 

Who or what inspired you to continue in difficult times? 

Once I heard on TV that Roma are not fighting for Ukraine. I wanted to show by my own example that this is not true. Besides, I know how much my wife, my children and all my relatives are worried about me. Once I was offline for about two weeks and I remember how worried they all were about me. This gives me the strength to keep going.  

Can you share a moment when you wanted to give up, but didn't, and what motivated you to continue? 

I have military friends, brothers-in-arms. I just could not give up. We fought together and supported each other in our 128th Mountain Assault Brigade. Even now I support them and send them everything they need. Unfortunately, many of them have already died.  

How do you stay positive when faced with difficulties? 

I have a positive nature in life. I think that is why it is easier for me to cope with difficulties.  

What advice would you give to someone who is going through a difficult time? 

I don't know what advice to give when there is a war going on. It's hard for everyone now. I would only wish everyone health and a speedy end to the war.  

How has overcoming difficulties changed your outlook on life? 

I constantly face difficulties. The Roma community doesn’t have the best conditions for development. It is difficult to find a job and settle down in life. Still, however, I do not plan to stay in Switzerland, where I am now with my family. I plan to return home. It so happened that my wife and children hardly saw me: first the fighting that started in 2014, then the full-scale Russian invasion. Now, I want to spend time with them. If necessary, however, I am ready to defend Ukraine again. 

What lessons did you learn from the difficulties you faced? 

It's hard to talk about lessons. It was very hard. If I hadn't been shell-shocked and wounded, I would have continued to fight. 

How do you think your experience can help others facing similar difficulties? 

We need to help each other, our comrades-in-arms, support each other, and it will be easier to overcome difficulties. 

What motivates you to keep moving forward, even when everything seems impossible? 

My family and children. My brothers-in-arms. You have to keep going to be useful to them. 

Looking back, what are you most proud of in your journey to overcome obstacles? 

I was able to overcome poverty and improve the financial situation of my family. I am proud to be a Roma soldier! I don't know where else Roma serve, but I am one of the few Roma who do. I also received awards from the mayor of Uzhhorod. This never happened before. It was very nice. 

Why do you consider yourself a hero? 

I do not consider myself a hero. I am a simple soldier. I fulfill my duties, which I receive in the course of combat operations. I am a mechanic-driver of a BMP-2. I never told my commander that I would not go somewhere to perform a task or that I did not want to do it. I had to. I went and pulled out wounded people.