03.06.2014 Postcardsfrommaidan.org
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine
Source: http://postcardsfrommaidan.org/post/78765088583/9 

Postcards from Maidan is an art initiative that helps facilitate the psychological rehabilitation and physical recovery of patients. Artists visit the wounded and use drawings as a storytelling mechanism of Maidan. The wounded are later presented with the drawings. This is the story of one Maidan protester. The artist, Mykyta Kaydan, is a photographer. This is story #9.

Anton Sokolov:

From Kharkiv.
Beaten by “titushky” [hired thugs] in Kharkiv

“Some people came to Kyiv for leisure, some came for war. I left for war on February 18. I left work at 6:00 pm, saying that I was going to Maidan in Kyiv. So what? I’m a free person. Honestly when I saw all this, I got scared.

I want to become a patriot, to be a hero for Ukraine. To know, who goes [to protect] whom. I was told, “You could become a bum.” I said that I have a big and bright future. I live for Ukraine. I was on Maidan in Kharkiv. But when they announced mobilization in Kyiv, I went [there]. It was much quieter in Kharkiv then. We got a phone call and were notified that it would happen on the 18^th.

Those in Kharkiv did not care earlier – so what if Euromaidan got organized, let it be. There were subversives, there was everything. But we stood there peacefully until the war broke out.

I formed my political position a long time ago, I watched all the news. But I went to Maidan when the agreement was not yet signed [by Yanukovych who ran from Kyiv on February 22, 2014].

I am very glad that Ultras is on Maidan’s side. They treated me very well when they found out that I was from the Metallist [soccer fan club]. Ultras caught “titushky” and beat them, but not to death, just to show who was in power.

We are not Jehovah’s witnesses who impose our point of view on someone regarding Maidan. Gepa [Kharkiv mayor Gennadiy Kernes] and Dopa [Mykhaylo Dobkin, former governor of Kharkiv oblast] cannot decide which side they are on. But when they leave, the Kharkiv residents will join the side that needs them [the most].

Russia does not have power over us, we are a free country. Life is such a thing, you cannot get away from it somewhere.

With the shield or on the shield. But it’s better to be with the shied in the beginning and on the shield – as a hero [during bloodshed on Maidan, some of the wounded or deceased people were transported from the site on top of the shields due to the lack of medical cots].

I will get fixed up and go back to Maidan.

On February 28, I came to Kyiv from Kharkiv and went to the Regional State Administration [building]. I was climbing the stairs when they intercepted me. I lost consciousness and “titushky” dragged me into the tent by the monument to Lenin. There, they started their act. They tortured me, and wanted to cut off my finger. I couldn’t see anything with one eye, it’s already better now.

They asked: “What is your affiliation on Maidan?” “What sector were you at?” “Did they give you drugs?”

All in all, they asked about nothing. I would not have been able to leave that tent had it not been for a prayer. The prayer saved me. God lent a hand and the medics took me out.

As for the monument to Lenin, here’s my take on it: I didn’t erect it, let it stand. On the other hand, you know the saying: out of sight, out of mind.

I would like to see a monument to the Heavenly Hundred [Sotnia] in place of Lenin’s monument.

They threatened me in a Kharkiv hospital, so I was transferred here, to Kyiv.

I am solely for the unification of everyone in Ukraine. To be united by one [idea], brother for brother.

I would like to help people, be a volunteer like [I was] on Maidan. Help people, [other] orphans like me.

Don’t give up!”

Mykyta Kaydan talked to Anton Sokolov at Oleksandrivska hospital. Mykyta created the protester’s portrait as a gift. Anton was very glad to have the drawing but he didn’t take it and instead he asked to exhibit it at the “Museum of Maidan” that he dreams about.

____________________

Postcards from Maidan is an art initiative that helps bring support through truthful images of Ukrainian protests in different regions of the country, and also tells the stories of people who suffered during events on Maidan this winter in Kyiv.

The project consists of two elements:

#postcards from maidan
The Postcards Project contains a series of cards based on works of contemporary artists. Artists who participated in protests on Maidan create works reflecting on the events and as a message to fellow citizens. These cards may serve as support and a means to bring the spirit of protest to one’s relatives and friends in any part of Ukraine or the world. They are distributed on Maidan and available to everyone for free download in a format suitable for printing.

#stories from maidan
In The Stories Project, contemporary artists visit hospitals, talk to people [protesters/activists] and work on an artistic embodiment of their stories from Maidan. Activists receive these works as gifts by which to remember the events. This project is documented; the stories may later be used by various media. Through social networks, with the help of journalists, volunteers and the project’s website, organizers of this project help to recover lost contacts and enable protesters to learn about each other.

Postcards from Maidan was founded by Kadygrob_Taylor Platform for Contemporary Art, an independent non-profit.  Source: http://postcardsfrommaidan.org/about