"It seems that there is no war in Odesa," civil activist Yuriy Dyachenko

Is there a place for civic activism during a full-scale war? And what issues can citizens get involved in? We talked about these topics with Yuriy Dyachenko, a soldier, journalist and civic activist from Odesa. Yurii recalled the beginning of his civic activity, his work for the openness of the city council, and told us about the cases of Fesenko's printing house and the Summer Theater. Read the short version of the interview and watch the full interview on Intent to learn more about the desire for change, the overlap between political and civic activities, and Odesa.

You have been involved in civic activities since 2009. How did you get into this circle? What were you worried about as a person at that time?

In fact, everything is trite and simple. I also wanted to help people. And it seems that I was in my second year, we were in quarantine. I saw the announcement and came to the meeting. But there was an announcement about one thing, and another was happening, they were already preparing for a charity project. I came from the street, even said something, suggested something, and they took it and finalized it. I liked it, especially since it turned out that they were people of value. That is, principled and patriotic. Later, we implemented many different projects together. These were environmental and patriotic projects, cultural projects, such as the Vyshyvanka Festival. And, by the way, a theater studio with elements of psychology. And condominiums, when they were created, we also helped them with organizational issues, then with maintenance. It was very diverse. After some time, we also realized that civic activity is political activity, especially at the local level, so we decided to monitor the activities of the city council. Sometimes it's about cooperation, sometimes it's about struggle. Let me just remind you that we had a period when the city council was completely closed, and we were still lobbying for the law on access to public information, and then we forced it to be implemented. Moreover, really interesting things happened at the meetings. I was constantly going, publishing, and journalists used my videos and publications. Even several grants supported this activity. A lot of things actually worked out. And this is good, because in 5 years, public participation tools have emerged. I lobbied, first of all, for openness. In general, you can watch the meetings. This was not the case before. But unfortunately, when the full-scale invasion began, they took advantage of this moment, when many active public figures went to the front, and I, among others, partially closed access and tools. But, in principle, even in times of war, public and participatory tools can be used.

What were the reasons for rallying against the government until 2022?

There were many reasons. There was even a case when we stormed the parliament and the session was canceled, meaning that the deputies ran away. Back then, law enforcement officers wanted to tie me up, but they failed because the crowd protected me. Every session is a matter of concern to the community. There are a lot of corruption issues. Just to remind you, the same Krayan. I was recording these crimes and then acting as a witness. Do I need to remind you about this corruption scheme? But this is just one example. And this can happen at every session. For example, there are specialized committees, you can choose what interests you or worries you and come and raise your issue. Let me remind you that it didn't work like that before. If we don't control our elected officials, they will certainly do what they want. And they want to do it, firstly, in secret, and secondly, in their own interests or in the interests of their masters. Which, in principle, is also no secret.

Photo: Natalia Dovbysh, Intent

When we fought to protect the Summer Theater of the City Garden from construction, we proved that it is an integral part of the City Garden, which should be protected as a monument of landscape art, as well as a monument of architecture and history. There were a lot of parallel processes. But we were still being sued. Who filed the lawsuit? Galanternyk. So we understand that there is a mafia of the city, there are elected officials, whom, unfortunately, we also elect, in most cases, but this is also a question of civic education, which we also did, by the way. They (the elected officials - Ed.) do not fulfill their will as much as their own, they use the community's resources and put kickbacks in their pockets. But in general, there are those who feed off this city.

We need people. It is always a difficult struggle, but it can be effective. There may be some compromise issues. For example, with the Summer Theater. It's a plus that they didn't build the mall. They may still have such plans, but which way did they go? Still, as we proposed, there will be a Summer Theater in the City Garden. Of course, they did not realize our project. But it doesn't matter. Someone may not like what's happening there, it's not perfect. But it would be worse if there was no active public at all.

I understand that it's difficult now because there is a war and we need to help the frontline first, and I am at the frontline myself. I am now a deputy commander of a mortar battery. By the way, I think that it was a well-considered and most correct decision on February 24 to go to the military enlistment office. I will also say, because I think there are many more people who are trying to think that they will not be involved in the war, will not fight, but I tell everyone that you need to get ready. While you are here. Because war is a long time, and maybe forever, just in different forms. Of course, I'm talking about men first of all, although I emphasize that this will not leave women untouched.

People engaged in public activities will face many challenges. Including, for example, financing, corruption, and so on. I have a perfect picture, not everyone will agree with me that it really should be a professional activity. It can be lobbying for some issues that benefit the community. And this is possible in Ukraine because we are still a democratic state, right? Before we are captured and authoritarianism is fully established here, we need to save this situation. In general, the ideal situation is when people are engaged in civic political activity and are supported. For example, when I was engaged in civic activities, every time I went out, I met at least a few people who saw me, remembered me, and thanked me. And I always said: "Thank you and get involved."

Photo: Natalia Dovbysh, Intent

Do you notice any changes in the city when you return from the front? Is it different compared to 2021?

This is a difficult question. I guess it hasn't changed much, though. I have the impression that in most cases there is no war. For example, they want to build a large green area on Balkivska Street. I noticed this even before the full-scale invasion. Instead of this zone fulfilling its, for example, recreational functions. Because they are important now. We have a lot of veterans who need recreation, among other things. But the city council does not think about this, and they continue to earn money. And people live their lives, so to speak. People live their lives, but in the future I think I will deal with rehabilitation or helping people with injuries, especially since I am one of them. I have already gone through a lot. And I would like to see maximum understanding from the local authorities, despite the fact that we have them now. They may not like it. I don't like them either. But let's just say they have responsibilities, they have to fulfill them. All our bomb shelters are not properly prepared. They must understand that we have a problem with who will protect the airspace. And this is a problem not only for local authorities. Come forward as coordinators, as organizers, because it is your safety as well. Or do you think that no one will fly to you because you used to be pro-Russian? Well, it's not a fact. By the way, we need to prepare for the fact that the frontline may come here. I mean, not just that the Ukrainian Armed Forces may transfer units here, but that there will be units that can immediately resist. Is this happening? I think not. I recently attended a roundtable on regional security. So there is a lot of work to be done, and I wish it wasn't up to me, who is not here. But I will find time.

As a citizen, I have rights, and as a public figure, I can use them. That's why I want it to work with other people, so that they are even more involved in the security of the region. We forced our elected officials to do this. I really wish there was no war, but unfortunately, there will be one, and we need to get used to living in it.

Марія Литянська