Serhii Harmash: from cartoon animator to professional soldier

The journalist of "Espreso. Zakhid" had a chance to speak to Serhii Harmash.

Lvivian Serhii Harmash creates Ukrainian cartoons in peaceful life. In his arsenal is probably the largest number of animations in Ukraine. He joined the team of the Artvideo studio, where he worked over "The Adventures of Vykrutas the Cat'', "Legends of Ukraine" and "Spiritual Necklace" projects.

A full-scale war changed Serhii's life. The man joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He went to the army as a volunteer. In the morning of February 25, he was already at the military commissariat.

"I changed my tie and suit I always wore to a military uniform," he laughs. "In fact, at eight in the morning I came to the military commissariat and was immediately accepted into the army. I was surprised to receive everything necessary and of good quality. Joining the army was a conscious step for me. I was also psychologically ready, having just discussed the day before with my wife the fact that Russia would begin a war. I understood the consequences the "Russian peace" could result in. Therefore, I had a strong will to protect my relatives and defeat Russia.

After a two-month training, the soldier went to the front as part of the 103rd brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces. Serhii Harmash got his first combat experience in the Luhansk region. He recalls that at that time he quite calmly reacted to everything happening around him.

"I must have been mentally prepared," wonders the military man. "Over time, I already felt the full power of Russian artillery - first explosions, arrivals of shells and machine-gun bursts. I had to learn how to act not to be brought down with fire and continue my job. Now I can distinguish the sounds of the projectile at exit and know how much time there is to hide. It's a completely different feeling when everything around is shooting, exploding and machine guns are working. They are shelling all around. This is an artillery war, and only then the infantry enters the battle."

Serhii Harmash already got used to the service in the army, although it is not as beloved as creating cartoons.

"When I create animation, I need to precisely plan everything, set tasks very clearly," says the defender. "Here everything is up to the commander. To be a skilled soldier, you need to gain experience from military instructors. The country needs us here, and we must do everything possible so that the Armed Forces of Ukraine push the Russians out of our land. I am surrounded by wonderful and reliable people. And I believe in our victory."

He is 52 years old and this is his first visit to the east of Ukraine.  For all the combat conditions, he says the nature there is extraordinary, bringing about the desire to start drawing immediately. But it's not time to return to his usual work. He understands it’s time to defend our land with a machine gun in his hands.

"I was struck by the atmosphere and the way people live here, the impression is that we have gone back twenty years in time," says Serhii. "Many locals just wait for someone to give them what they need. Of course, there are Ukrainians among them who create comfort at home and try to bring benefits, but they are the exceptions though. Nature is quite another thing. Here are the Shevchenko landscapes. When I see them, I want to draw right away. But, unfortunately, we have another mission here."

Now the serviceman is still fighting in the East. He says he will stand with his brothers until our victory.