How Kherson residents are sabotaging the introduction of Russian rubles
- Caroline Davis
- BBC News, Odesa
Pro-Russian authorities in the temporarily occupied parts of the Kherson region have stated that the region will “move into the ruble zone” on May 1.
However, the Ukrainian mayor of Kherson, Igor Kolikhayev, who was “fired” by the Russians, does not believe that this may be the only functioning banking system in the region – Ukrainian, not Russian.
Despite the 60-day occupation, many are trying to challenge Russian forces by exchanging the rubles for Ukrainian hryvnias.
However, this is not easy to do in times of constant danger.
Across the city from the man signs “Z” (Russian military symbol). Russian flags were hoisted over government buildings. Ukrainian television is turned off, and Russian TV channels broadcast instead. Russian soldiers in armored vehicles drive through the city center, between checkpoints.
Changing the currency is another attempt to erase the Ukrainian identity.
“I think more people will leave here if the ruble is introduced,” said Kherson resident Olga, who declined to give her real name.
“So far, there are currency exchange offices. If I have to pay in rubles, I will just go and exchange them for hryvnias, others, I think, will do the same. This is such a small act of protest.”
Olga is not the only one who has such a plan. Ukrainian media reported that some pensioners in Kherson receive pensions in rubles, but have already exchanged for Ukrainian hryvnias.
Living in Kherson has become even harder. Many people are nervous even because of a conversation with a journalist. When we approach Olga and ask how she is doing, she sighs.
“I’m alive and I have food,” she said.
According to Kolikhayev, during the two months of occupation, about 40% of the population fled the city.
Many Kherson residents told how difficult it is for them to pay for those comrades who can be bought in empty supermarkets. Shops, restaurants and businesses, they said, have closed, and the economy has partially stalled as it is cut off from much of the world.
Earlier this week, Russian forces recognized the “new Kherson administration” because Igor Kolikhayev “measured” with Russian forces, the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported.
Igor Kolikhayev said via video link that he did not stop working. He is skeptical about whether Russia can successfully introduce the ruble.
“I can’t confirm that this happened,” he said. they think. “
Ukrainian authorities have suggested that Russia may try to hold a referendum in the region on May 1. The issue of independence of the region from Ukraine and the creation of the “Kherson People’s Republic” on the model of “DPR” and “LPR” are planned to be put to the vote. However, any attempt to do so is a way to legitimize Russia’s interference by portraying Russians as “liberators.”
Moscow has denied plans to hold a vote in Kherson, and residents say they have not seen any signs.
However, rumors are circulating on social networks about how events may unfold. Some Ukrainians believe that Russia is simply confirming the result and using their IDs, to which, as they will be obtained, the Russians can be accessed in the seized administrative buildings.
“I’m not sure it’s necessary for the population to know that there is a referendum,” says Olga. “I think they can do without us. Maybe I’ve already voted.”
The roads to safety are blocked
Several people in Kherson told us that the roads to the safe areas of Ukraine are currently completely closed. The only available road is through the Crimea. But this means that we need to go to Russian territory, we are not ready for the few Ukrainians we spoke to.
However, Maxim realized that this was the only way to security. He refused to give his real name, his family is still in town. He was interrogated at the border, and a security guard checked his body for tattoos.
“It was like a movie,” he says. “You’re sitting on a suitcase under the scorching sun waiting to be interrogated. People with machine guns are coming out. It was very scary. I would never have thought you came to me because of it.”
“They asked me the same questions over and over,” he says.
Maxim says that there were a lot of cars with Kherson license plates in the queue. He went to Georgia, and then went to Europe.
“It felt like I was released from prison in Georgia,” he said. “It’s as if my human rights have been restored.”
Those who stayed in Kherson are afraid of the future.
“I’m afraid of a humanitarian catastrophe,” says Igor Kolykhayev. “I’m worried about the people who stayed in the city, they’re all hostages.”
“It’s like we went on a trip with 100 liters of gas in the car’s tank, and we drive until the gas runs out. I want to count how long we can go. How much longer can we drive around town?”