The first thing I will do after the Victory - is hold my daughter in my arms - Ruslan Untilov
They exchanged 6 months of the voyage for 9 months of the war. They are used to storms in the ocean, but now they are watching "grad rockets" from the trenches. They changed their vests to camouflage. They are seafarers who joined the ranks of the Armed Forces and defend the independence of our state.
Ruslan Untilov, motorman, MSC, is one of the many seafarers who, despite everything, decided to voluntarily come to the military enlistment office and begin his service to protect the Ukrainian people. From the age of 14, the sea was something unknown and exciting for Ruslan. A place where he could test his fortitude and courage. Then he did not know that the real test of his qualities was yet to come. The sea remains in romantic memories, but the current reality demands overcoming challenges and obstacles. As always, two beloved girls are waiting for the seafarer-military at home: his wife and daughter. And they are the main driving force of his motivation.
Where did the war find you?
The war caught me in our native hero city of Odesa. I was at home, just back from a voyage. Passed all the exams and prepared documents for the next voyage to work in the position of assistant of engineer or engineer. But on the 24th, you know what happened, and all our plans remained plans for now. Even then, I understood that I would join the Armed Forces, and I had no doubts. Moreover, in February, my wife was ill, she was hospitalized. I could not leave her alone - I had to put her back on her feet. As soon as my wife recovered and left the hospital, I applied to the Armed Forces.
What is your main motivation?
The motivation is to prevent the enemy from reaching our city and our families. And, of course, the most important thing is to leave our country in integrity as it is. I am sure that everyone who swore loyalty to the state of Ukraine should have this opinion. I did it in the army.
Did you consider the option NOT to join the ranks of the Armed Forces?
Many of us thought that the war would last for several weeks. As Arestovych promised us - in 3-4 weeks, everything would be over. However, it did not stop me, and there were no excuses for military service. It is the duty of every man. If not us, then who? My wife understood that I had to defend my own family, first of all. People go to war for their own reasons. My stepfather is in the army, my older brother from my father's side, and two more cousins, as well. That is, we, four brothers are at war. Yes, we are scattered throughout the cities and military units. The war caught someone on the voyage and someone at home, but we all went to fight. It is about patriotic education in our family.
Do your friends and colleagues support you?
Help is provided even by people with whom we are little acquainted or have crossed paths only a few times. It is, I see, the unification of the country. I think I have never felt this: gratitude and pride for being Ukrainian!
How did you interact with the Marine Transport Workers’ Trade Union of Ukraine?
Throughout this time, the Trade Union supports as much as possible. And I would like to express deep gratitude for that. After all, when I had a difficult financial situation at the beginning of the war, they helped me. I didn't have any uniform and equipment, and the Trade Union helped me financially, so I could be fully equipped: armor, helmet, and everything else. And secondly, I received tremendous support when the military and I allocated money for walkie-talkies that the enemy would not be able to track. And again, the MTWTU helped. Thank you!
Do you miss the sea? How quickly will you return to work after the Victory?
I miss the sea very much. After all, it is my element and my vocation, but time demands something else. The path of the military is a very difficult one, after which every fighter, soldier, and officer, needs a rest, a break from everything happening. And I personally know it for sure.
I had a lot of voyages, and I have such a habit: I came from work, so there should be a rest of 2-3 months. And it would be best: to return from the war, have a short rest of 3-4 months and then return to the work on the ship. After all, there is working environment and distraction from problems on the shore.
What will you do first when the war is over?
When the war ends, the first thing I will do is return home to my family and hold my daughter in my arms. And I will spend most of my time only with her.
