How can you continue to do your job as a high-level sportswoman while having your head and heart in your country at war? This is the dilemma facing Ukrainian Vandoeuvre receiver/striker Nancy Volley Ball Diana Frankevych, on the field this Saturday evening during the defeat of the VNVB against France Avenir 2024 (2-3). Diana Frankevych who agreed to confide in this terrible period for her country which she follows from a distance.
France Bleu Sud Lorraine: “How are you?”
Diana Frankevych: “I and all Ukrainians are living the worst times of our lives right now. This should not happen in the 21st century. Ukraine and its people never wanted war. We are a peaceful people but unfortunately , this is not what the Russian authorities think, who waged an information war against Ukraine, showing false information. I am truly hurt and saddened by this injustice.
The Russian president explains that he is not targeting civilians or apartment buildings, but how to explain that some inhabitants no longer have houses? […] Putin wanted to divide Ukrainians, he brought us together and I am very proud of all those who fight, of our president who has become a leader, a hero. At my level, with my husband, we try to participate financially to help the army and the victims of the war, and then to relay verified information about the war that Russia is waging on social networks and on television.
How do you follow events?
“I only follow reliable sources, I am in constant contact with my family and then I relay on social networks verified information so that people from other countries can see what is happening at home […] I want to thank all the countries that support us and are not afraid to show themselves alongside Ukraine. We need actions from European countries, help from NATO to secure the Ukrainian skies because many Russian attacks are coming from the air. The economic pressure must be as strong as possible. And it will take money to rebuild the infrastructure destroyed by the war.”
My head and my heart are in Ukraine”
Do you have any news from your family? Will she join you?
“My family lives in the city of Vinnista (in the center-west of the country). For now, it’s relatively calm compared to other cities that have become the epicenter of the Russian attack like Kiev or Kharkiv But everything can change very quickly. My family did not warn to join us immediately. My father joined the defense of our city and he is ready to help the army. My relatives, like me, want to live in Ukraine. I love my country, the Ukrainian people. I pray and hope this ends soon and I see my family safe and sound.”
Is it complicated in this context to focus on volleyball?
“At the moment it is really difficult to concentrate on volleyball. Whether you like it or not, you are thinking about the war, the health of your loved ones, of all Ukrainians. I am safe here but my head and my heart are in Ukraine. But I’m a professional athlete, it’s my job, I have to help my team and do what is expected of me. I also want to thank the club, supporters and my teammates for their support in this situation. It’s very important and I really appreciate it.”