Hryhoriy Reshetnyk: “I became an even greater patriot of my country”
Hryhoriy Reshetnyk, the constant TV presenter of the “Bachelor” project, who had the opportunity to leave the country after the start of the war, remains in Ukraine despite everything. Why the family made such a decision and how Grigory’s life changed – in our material.
How did your personal values change with the start and continuation of the war in Ukraine?
Values are what remain unchanged. I am happy that before the full-scale war that Russia unleashed against Ukraine, my values corresponded to my upbringing and worldview. They have not changed, but have strengthened. I became an even greater patriot of my country. As a father of many children, I had the opportunity to leave Ukraine with my family, but we fundamentally decided to stay. This is our home. We want to support Ukrainians, help our army, economy and those in need here at home. I wish others to listen to their heart, respect themselves, others and stay true to their values.
You are a father of many children. How did you talk to the children about the war? Is it worth talking about the heroism of the military?
Indeed, at first we tried to avoid hot topics. But children understand everything. We talk to them every day about the heroism of our military. Children know that the Armed Forces are the best, our pilots are the most skilled and professional. Boys grow up to be patriots of their country. On the streets, they thank the military when they see them. I am very happy and proud of my sons. They clearly understand that Russia is our enemy. That our strength is in unity, and we will definitely win. However, as a parent of many children, I still advise you to set your children on the positive side, show them less terrible footage, so as not to traumatize the child’s psyche. Being aware of all events and reacting to them is the business of adults.
It became known that you and your wife discussed the possibility of adopting a child after the war. Have your plans changed?
This topic is very responsible, as well as my attitude towards it. Unfortunately, all Ukrainian children have already become children of war. It breaks my heart. Now there are no other people’s babies. All of them are ours. Of course, like many parents, we are discussing the possibility of adopting a child. My wife and I visited orphaned children on a humanitarian mission. There was also a 3-month-old baby… This has a great effect on the mind. If I could, I would give happiness to all Ukrainian children. However, during the war, no family living in Ukraine can guarantee the safety of children. Currently, my wife and I have concentrated our efforts on helping orphans. I think there will be a lot of adoptions after the end of the war. If we decide to adopt, I promise to share. But for now I want to avoid any manipulations in this regard.
The language issue in Ukraine has become one of the main manipulations used by Russian propaganda. Is it possible to condemn Russian-speaking Ukrainians?
It seems to me that now we, Ukrainians, generally need to refrain from judging each other. We must direct our forces to support and help the country. But my personal position is fundamental: every Ukrainian is obliged to know his native language, to strive to learn and improve it. There are many speakers and analysts on television who conduct discussions in Russian. I urge you to pay attention to this. I studied at a Russian-language school, but I learned Ukrainian as an adult. I continue to improve it every day. There should be no refusals – Ukrainians should know their language and be proud of it. Especially since it is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world! Our language is the genetic code of the nation.
Why do you think men are willing to pay a lot of money to leave Ukraine? Can this be considered a kind of betrayal?
A very difficult question. After all, each person has a different fear threshold, their own individual story. At the beginning of the war, everyone acted as his heart told him. So I don’t want to label and judge. Even among my acquaintances there are men who went abroad even before the war, but have not yet dared to return. Nevertheless, they actively help our country and our army from there. If a person feels the strength to do more for Ukraine abroad, it is his right. I am not talking now about those who, with the beginning of the war, hid in children’s diapers in order to leave Ukraine. It is difficult to call these guys men. In the end, I urge Ukrainians to return and continue life in their native country. We all have to rebuild Ukraine after the victory. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
Were there moments when you felt fear and complete despair?
Of course, because we are all human. Able to express happiness as well as fear and pain. I communicate with friends who protect the country on the front lines, I try to help them. And even they are afraid. But the most important thing is to gather yourself and remember the goal again. I, too, as a father of many children, the son of my parents, sometimes feel embarrassed. Desperation was present in the first days of the war. When it was necessary to find a way out, to evacuate the family to western Ukraine, to explain to my sons what was happening, why tanks were driving and military planes were flying. The most important thing is to overcome fear. Do what you do best, realize your skills and talents, help those who need it. Launch the energy of work. Ukrainians are capable of everything. We have already proved it to the whole world.
What lesson should every Ukrainian learn after the events of February 24?
First, you can only trust yourself, because we are a very wise nation. Secondly, our strength is in unity. Leave quarrels and showdowns. We have become convinced that the neighbor can attack at night, meanly and insidiously. But you have to withstand the blow, then disarm the enemy and finally break his spine. So that he could feel our strength forever. Thirdly, remember, victory is ours!
What is the strength of the Ukrainian nation?
Together we are unbreakable and invincible. Let’s remember how everything started on February 24. Everything rumbled, exploded, planes flew, constant arrivals… All of Ukraine suffered. But we persevered. Now we are observing the successes of the Armed Forces in the occupied territories. And soon we will return all our lands. Our strength is that we are Ukrainians. Love everything Ukrainian, get your children used to it. Believe in our independent, beautiful, prosperous country and its future.
Do you think it’s time for love and romantic projects?
When you feel the breath of war every day, you understand that the most valuable thing is our life. The most important thing that all of us can do is to live, help the Armed Forces to protect the country from the enemy and work in the given conditions, each in his place and on his front. And also — to fill your inner emotional state with something that inspires, so that you have the strength to bring our victory closer together. In April, in order to support the morale of Ukrainians, STB offered content that is relevant in today’s realities — useful sections that help secure life during the war. This autumn, we invite Ukrainians to live: with love in their hearts, with fire in their eyes, with pride for their own, with honesty before their loved ones. We have to live our lives, because it is for them that our indomitable warriors fight so bravely. Therefore, yes – love is always on time, we see it every day around us, in the news, we see how many new families are created despite the war. People find each other even on the front line. Love gives us strength and inspiration, so I hope that the 12th season of the country’s main romantic reality show will once again become an outlet and inspiration for Ukrainians. Unforgettable dates, emotions, feelings, confessions — all this in the new season.
Photo: personal archive of Hryhoriy Reshetnyk
