The war united the incompatible. A teacher became a tankman, a lawyer became an artilleryman, and seafarers became infantrymen. It doesn't matter who you were before, the most important thing is who you are now. And now everyone is a defender. MTWTU member, V.Ships Messman Vladyslav Markosyan knows what it's like when you have to start from scratch: to learn those skills that you didn't even think about. Vladyslav has not seen his family for almost a year, and even though he is used to long separations, it is difficult for him. However, the seafarer knows his motivation: to see the smile of his wife and daughter and to play football with his son. Such simple things make sense in the darkest of times.
- Why you chose the career of a seafarer?
- I have a maritime family, among seafarers are my father, uncle, and brother. But, I'll be honest, at first, I didn't want to join this dynasty, but eventually, my relatives persuaded me to try. And there was the first voyage, then the second, and that’s how I got dragged into it. I have already worked on 7 contracts. For me, the sea is not only financial stability but also good company. Do you know where the most beautiful sunset is? Only in the evening on the deck with friends. I will tell you that even storms have their own romance, or more precisely adrenaline.
- Where did you meet the war?
- I came from the voyage on January 16, so the war caught me at home. There was a rush in the shops and no chance to get to the gas station. Such chaos! At first, my family and I went to the village to visit relatives, but the May holidays were coming, the situation was heating up, and I was able to persuade the family to go to Germany. It was difficult, but I was very worried about my wife and children. To this day they are there.
- How did you join the Armed Forces of Ukraine?
- From the first days, I wanted to join the territorial defense forces, but I was not accepted. They said to leave my phone number and wait for the call. And then in May, my family leaves, and I get that call. I was not afraid, because, from the very beginning, I wanted to volunteer, and still, who else, if not us, will protect the country? I was planned for the Army National Guard, but something didn't work out there and I was sent to the infantry.
- Have you had combat tours?
- I was a machine gunner. We went to Kherson even when it was occupied, in July. We worked following a tip-off. And they shelled us in return with everything they had. When we first arrived, we slept in the trenches, and out of habit, when the tank fired, we got up and hid. After 2-3 nights we realized that made no sense - thus, everyone got used to it, and continued to sleep. I have been moved three times since then. I am currently working in the Donetsk direction. I only think of one thing: how great it would be on the voyage now.
- Tell us about your relationship with MTWTU?
- I have been with MTWTU since 2015, from the time I first started going on voyages. In peacetime, we went to the cinema and the water park with MTWTU, and also I was invited to Seafarer's Day. When the war started and I joined the army, the MTWTU helped me financially. Thank you very much, because my safety depended on it. They also helped my family, which is now in Germany. As part of a project with the German trade union ver.di, Trade Union provided us with a set of essential items. Thank you
for all of that!
- What will you do when Victory comes?
- I want to spend the first 6-7 months at home with my family. I miss them very much. I want peace. But then I will go on a voyage.
