What is Independence? A story from a Roma defender of Ukraine

What does independence mean for a military Roma who fights in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against Russian occupiers? And why does the word 'independence' sound painful and complex for a Ukrainian soldier of Roma origin? We tell the story in a short narrative by military veteran Viktor Ilchak.

"Independence - today, for me, is not just a celebratory day. On the contrary, during wartime, it is a constant struggle for me as a military person," says Ukrainian soldier Viktor Ilchak.

Viktor Ilchak is a Ukrainian soldier in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, defending the country since 2015. He is of Roma descent. Since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion, Viktor, without hesitation, volunteered to defend Ukrainian soil and immediately joined the ranks of the Ukrainian army. He served on the front lines in the eastern and southern directions, where he was wounded in action.

Viktor is the father of four children, the sole provider for his large Roma family, but this has in no way hindered him from immediately stepping up to defend the Ukrainian state and protect its independence.

The significance of the word "independence" may initially seem elusive to the Ukrainian military man of Roma origin. In his reflections on independence, he is reserved in his words. He explains that in times of war, when hundreds of Ukrainian defenders – young men and women – lose their lives daily, discussing independence is not as straightforward as it once was.

"It's very difficult... Independence is hard-fought for us. There are many losses, much pain. Right now, it's definitely not a celebration. We are at war, we are fighting," says military veteran Viktor Ilchak.

Currently, the Ukrainian soldier is undergoing long-term rehabilitation in his hometown of Uzhhorod, where he plans to teach other young Roma all the combat tactics he mastered under bullets and shelling in Donetsk region.

For him, being a member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine today is primarily an honor. Viktor proudly displays one of the significant awards presented to him last year by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – an order for "courage and merits in military affairs." He holds it carefully, not wanting to let it slip from his hands. He treasures the order as his own talisman. Ultimately, that's what it is for him.

He believes that talking about independence today should be done with caution because we achieve it at the cost of the best among us. Ukrainian defender Viktor Ilchak also thinks that it makes no sense to differentiate between Ukrainian and Roma military personnel since, for both nations, this word today is what unites them. It compels them to fight for the common cause – for Ukrainian land, their home, their loved ones, and their freedom.