Famous Ukrainian theater and film actor, producer, and volunteer Oleksiy Hnatkovsky, who gained nationwide acclaim following his role in Oles Sanin's film 'Dovbush', gave an insightful interview for the Wave RBC-Ukraine project. During the conversation, he addressed the most pressing issues of today: the perception of the full-scale war, the risks of internal societal division, the language issue, readiness for politics, and his personal red lines in the profession.
Understanding the War and Priorities
Answering questions about how he manages to sustain a frantic pace of life by combining touring and volunteer fundraising for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksiy urged a broader perspective on the situation. According to him, personal busyness is incomparable to the titanic efforts and sacrifices made daily by soldiers on the frontline. Understanding the overarching historical context helps discard trivial matters.
Controversial Data
Despite his active charitable work, discussions periodically emerge in the media regarding his mobilization deferment status and participation in commercial projects like hosting the show 'Traitors' on SWEET.TV. Hnatkovsky openly addresses these questions, emphasizing the need to justify his reservation through cultural work, while some critics raise debates over exemptions for public figures.
Threats of Internal Divisions
Special attention was paid to the enemy's artificial attempts to cause internal discord. The actor is confident that after the collapse of regional myths, the aggressor will try to fuel conflicts between the frontline and the rear, as well as exploit language and religious sensitivities. The Defense Forces remain the ultimate uniting factor for the nation.
The Quest for Justice and the Path Forward
Touching upon social injustice, Hnatkovsky notes that Ukrainian society is experiencing a profound psychological dissonance where grief over losses coexists with the joy of new life. Nevertheless, he urges citizens to preserve their ability to notice bright moments and demonstrate civic maturity.