Local Clonmel Man Describes Ukraine War as Harrowing and Unnecessary
Anthony Hawkins, a local photographer from Clonmel who now runs a restaurant in Belfast, is currently visiting Ukraine with his Ukrainian girlfriend.He describes the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine as both “very scary and unnecessary.”
Anthony paints a harrowing picture of the destruction he has witnessed, describing village after village laid to waste, with no electricity, clean water, or basic necessities available.
“The devastation is beyond words,” Anthony says. “There are curfews in place, and nobody is allowed outside until morning because of military movements. I’m not permitted to photograph or film soldiers or homes that have been attacked.”
The personal toll of the war is starkly evident in Anthony’s account. “One of my friends’ fathers was killed on the front line yesterday, and his mother suffered a heart attack and is now in the hospital,” he shares. “It’s heartbreaking to witness what’s happening right in front of my eyes, and I wish I could do more to help.”
Despite the grim situation, Anthony recounts a poignant moment that underscores the human element in the middle of the chaos. “I went out for a meal which cost €8, and that was for sushi with all the trimmings. I tipped the waiter €50, which is a significant sum in Ukraine today. The poor girl burst out crying with delight.”
The struggle for basic survival is a daily reality for the local people. “It’s very hard for them to buy food and everyday essentials. People need help ASAP,” Anthony emphasises. To aid in this effort, he has set up a GoFundMe page for anyone willing to contribute to purchasing essential goods for local families.
“The only people that seem to be doing okay are the Mafia and those in the computer industry,” he notes. However, the ever present danger of airstrikes and military encounters looms large. “Airstrikes can happen anytime, anywhere, with no warning. If you get caught in one of those, it’s curtains.”
Anthony’s fear of being captured by Russian soldiers is a constant worry. Yet, there is a modicum of safety provided by technology. “We have apps on our phones to tell us where the heavy fighting is happening. Right now, it’s not far from where I am today, near Chernobyl, and there’s a lot of fighting happening in Dnipropetrovska on the Zaporizka border.”
The unpredictable nature of life in a war zone is vividly illustrated by an incident Anthony experienced recently. “I was in a shopping mall yesterday when the alarm went off and the electricity cut out. The last place you want to be is in a lift because you could be stuck there for hours.” Which nearly happen to me.
Night time offers little respite. “I find it hard to sleep; my brain is on overdrive,” he says. Adding to the stress are the high temperatures, which have reached 27°C. “I was on the beach the other day, and the bugs here are enormous and scary. Plus, there are snakes, bears, and wolves, and it feels like they all want to kill me too.”
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Anthony remains determined to help those in need. He appeals to the public for support through his GoFundMe page, which can be found at [https://gofund.me/f803478b]. “Any amount you can afford to give will go a long way in helping local families here. Your support would be greatly appreciated.”
Anthony’s account is a sobering reminder of the human cost of the conflict in Ukraine. His efforts to provide relief to those suffering underscore the importance of global solidarity in times of crisis.