Tiril (21) came as a Russian student St. Petersburg west of Russia 9 February. The country’s second largest city immediately made an impression.
– I liked myself very much here, it is a gigantic city with lots to do, she says on the phone to TV 2.
Store demonstrasjonar
She had looked forward to experiencing the opera, the ballet and everything the other city is famous for. But she did not have time for that – after only two weeks, her new host country invaded neighboring Ukraine.
– Now we are mostly at the dormitory. We are afraid to meet at demonstrations in the main streets in the center.
– MANY ARRESTMENTS: On Tuesday, people in St. Petersburg demonstrated on the sixth day. Photo: Dmitri Lovetsky / AP / Scanpix
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There have been daily demonstrations in a number of cities since the war started last Thursday. Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Friday, removing hundreds of protesters by truck the organization OVD-infowhich daily updates the numbers of detainees.
Some of the largest demonstrations have taken place in St. Petersburg. Dramatic images of police brutally haunting young protesters arouse attention and unrest.
– What do you think about the big demonstrations?
– It is very good that people say that they are against the war. At the same time, it is a bit scary considering how many people are arrested.
She herself does everything she can to avoid ending up in the middle of the chaos.
– We have been told to stay far away from all demonstrations, but they are not always notified in advance so we can risk suddenly meeting at a certain point where we go out in the center, says Tiril.
– DEMONSTRATES: Authorities crack down on all forms of protest. Here they use a fishing rod to remove a banner with the text “No war”, which protesters have hung up in St. Petersburg. Photo: Dmitri Lovetsky / AP / Scanpix
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Notice the sanctions
The Russian student tells that the war characterizes everything and everyone.
– All the Russians I have talked to are strongly opposed to the war. We also notice this during the lectures, it is clear that the professors think the war is terrible. One of them wondered how one should react, if it is possible to bring about a political change.
The war also has practical consequences for the students.
– The university suddenly demanded that we pay everything with a Russian bank card, but I do not have that. So now I have to go to the bank to withdraw cash to pay rent, internet, laundry and everything else.
Many students travel home
In addition, she notices well that there are fewer and fewer foreign students on campus. She sends us a picture of her empty dorm.
– HALF-EMPTY: Tiril’s roommate has returned to the Czech Republic. Photo: Private
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– My space friend was told that it was risky to get on the porch and that she had to get home to the Czech Republic as soon as possible. There are many from other countries who have received the same message, but not us who are Norwegian.
On Thursday, France went out calling on all its citizens to leave Russia, with the exception of those who have absolutely necessary reasons to stay. Norwegian authorities advise against traveling to Russia, but do not ask Norwegian citizens to leave the country.
Now Tiril has no idea what she will do, whether she will stay in Russia or return home to Bergen to continue her studies here in the city.
– I have a bus ticket out of the country on Friday, but I have no idea if I will use it. The situation is changing all the time, she says.
– IN KYIV: Tiril was recently in Kyiv, which today is marked by war. Here in front of one of the country’s most famous monuments. Photo: Private
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But most of all, she thinks of all those who are now prisoners of war in the neighboring country. She herself was traveling in Ukraine in November, and visited several cities that are now under attack, such as the capital Kyiv.
– It is incredibly strange and sad to think that places where we have just been, and which we have fond memories of, are now at war, the 21-year-old from St. Petersburg concludes.
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