Ukrainian Olympic medalist wrestler remembers what Ukraine has lost on war’s two-year anniversary

Celebrated Ukrainian wrestler Parviz Nasibov shared his firsthand experience of the early days of Russia’s full-scale invasion and his views on true heroism, in an exclusive interview with NV.

The 2020 Olympic silver medalist moved from Azerbaijan to Mykolaiv with his family when he was six. He later embraced Greco-Roman wrestling in Mariupol before moving to Zaporizhzhia.

Nasibov spoke about his experiences on Feb. 24, familiar faces among Ukrainian soldiers, the brutality of the Russian army in the occupied territories, and the heroes of Ukraine who inspire him in an exclusive interview with NV journalist Alexander Volochan.

Where were you when the full-scale invasion kicked off? Did you see it coming?

I was in Kherson, staying with my mother-in-law and wife. In the wee hours, around 3 or 4 a.m., my phone wouldn't stop ringing. Initially, I ignored it. But when it kept ringing, I snapped, 'Are you insane? Look at the time!' It was a teammate urging me to look outside. Chaos had erupted in Kherson. Shelling had started, and there were rumors that the Russian military would soon take over. I immediately took my family to Kyiv.

Read also: 18-year-old Ukrainian basketball player Kozachenko dies in German hospital

About a month before the invasion, I was invited as an honorary guest to a tournament in Mariupol. I showed my wife the boarding school where I grew up. That city holds so many memories for me. Sadly, due to the Russian army's actions, I have friends in Mariupol who've lost their homes, their children, or other loved ones. I never imagined the Russians would resort to such atrocities. Remembering the situation in Syria 5-10 years ago, we couldn't fathom how such horrors could happen. But now, it's our grim reality. A childhood friend of mine was one of the first to be killed by Russian soldiers.

You're famous for representing the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Central Sports Club. Do you have many friends in the military? What have they shared with you?

Many of my friends and acquaintances serve in the military. They've shared stories from the frontlines in temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhya Oblast. Our soldiers have discovered gold teeth among the belongings of fallen Russian troops. It's a stark reminder of the inhumanity we're facing. My feelings towards these aggressors are nothing but contempt. Nothing shocks me anymore. I just want it all to end soon and for all our soldiers to safely return home.

Read also: Usyk’s iconic ‘Colors of Freedom’ T-shirt auctioned off to raise money for Armed Forces — photo

Is there a personal hero for you in this conflict, someone you look up to?

For me, the hero is anyone who has taken up arms to protect our country. It's hard to single out just one person. The story of Dmytro Kotsiubailo, Da Vinci, really affected me. He's a true hero who took up arms at a young age to protect his nation."

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine