Dmytro Snegiryov
February 3, 2014  Status update

Translated by Olia Knight
Source:https://www.facebook.com/pravasprava/posts/661723743884744

Today, after the conclusion of the Maidan rally in Lugansk, my friend and I decided to grab a cup of coffee and talk in a peaceful place about our future actions. Our conversation was interrupted by the appearance of four young men 20-22 years of age. The men took a nearby table and started vigorously discussing current events in Ukraine.

Not even five minutes had passed when three half-drunk “civil guards” that were mobilized by local authorities to maintain public order, barged in. These creatures ordered 150 g of alcohol (about 5 oz.) per person and started to brag about the higher calling of “titushky” (hired thugs). When they could not come to an understanding in their own tight-knit circle, one of them decided to clear some air about current events with the coffee shop patrons. The “civil guard” approached the four young men and started a conversation about the years he spent behind bars.

As a person who grew up in the stormy ’90s, I was interested to see the reaction of the younger generation that, due to its age and education, is far away from a peculiar conversational manner of those times. What I heard from the youth has pleasantly surprised me. They got together and knowledgeably explained to the thugs that today is not the 1990s and the “titushky” name is more likely to bring shame to Donbas region rather than to work to its positive advantage. My friend and I readied ourselves and held on to the chairs in case we had to use them if the discussion got too heated.

“Lugansk is a European city and has no place for such freaks,” the young man confidently cut the conversation short.

Interestingly enough, the “guard” did not try to attack the young men. We moved the heavy chairs intended for the “civil guard” and asked the young men to join us. “Aren’t you scared?” I asked. “Why should we be afraid of them? They are hired trash.” “Where are you from?” “Mariupol. Ultras of “Ilyichivets” soccer club (hard-core soccer fans).” “How is it there? Difficult?” “Difficult,” they say, “but we want change.”

We want change. They are not a “Ukrainian front,” or titushky trash. They are the youth of Donbas, and nobody puts Donbas on its knees. You lost your moment. Russian-speaking muscular youth chants “Glory to Ukraine” at Donbas stadiums and fiercely hates titushky, wishing for change. The change will come. It is impossible to stop it, just like it’s not possible to stop spring from coming after cold February frosts. The icebreaker has come, and it is impossible to turn it back.