An actor from the movie *Shchedryk* talked about his journey from filming for Netflix to becoming a soldier in the Armed Forces of Ukraine

<span><span><span><span><span><span>Ukrainian actor and star of the film "Shchedryk," Oleksandr Polovets, gave an interview in which he explained </span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span>why he was only able to enlist on his third attempt. The servicemember shared his experience of adapting to military life and described how his priorities changed after transitioning from the movie set to the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

Intentinterviewed Oleksandr Polovets.  

<span><span><span><span><span><span>The actor said that on February 24, 2022, he was on a film set in Kyiv. He was returning home that night, and by morning he could already hear explosions. At first, he hoped it was a provocation and that it would all end quickly. Even now, the actor still hopes the war will end this year. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>Oleksandr Polovets said that he did not join the Armed Forces of Ukraine right away, but only on November 3, 2023—on his third attempt. He was turned down twice due to a lack of manpower. The actor explained that he did not want to sit at home while his fellow actors and directors were fighting on the front lines.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>“I would have felt uncomfortable and ashamed in front of those who are currently on the front lines, including my fellow actors and directors,” he noted. </span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>Oleksandr said he didn’t want any extra attention in the army, since he considers himself just as much a soldier as everyone else. He noted that the current army consists overwhelmingly of civilians—drivers, cooks, musicians, or actors—who had no connection to military service before the war. Because of this, he saw no reason to stand out in any way. However, word of his profession always spread by word of mouth. News that an actor was serving in the unit would reach him even before he arrived at a new posting.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

<span><span><span><span><span><span>The most significant experience that changed Oleksandr during the war was the sense of unity, patriotism, and unwavering support. He explained that whenever he has to be hospitalized for treatment, his comrades immediately call to ask how they can help, because they share a common purpose. He emphasizes that no one is left alone on the front lines—it’s impossible to cope there on one’s own, either physically or emotionally—so the support of his comrades is crucial.</span></span></span></span></span></span>

Юлія Калабайда