Ukrainian theatre director would sacrifice life to end Putin's reign: Two years into Russia-Ukraine war

Originally, it was expected to last two days. A rapid military operation, culminating with a Russian victory. Instead, two days have extended into two years. Ukrainian cities are under siege every day, and the civilians bear the brunt of the casualties. Though drained by the battle, Ukraine continues to resist. Volodymyr Petraniuk vividly remembers that day in February 2022.

We woke up at 4 am GMT. Bombs began detonating in Kyiv. This is Putin's characteristic, similar to Stalin's and Hitler's - to initiate an attack in the early morning when people are half-asleep and unaware of what's happening, he shares in a conversation with "Super Express".

That day, he along with many others registered at the military recruitment office, expressing their readiness to fight. Over two years, they have become familiar with air raid alarms. They no longer seek shelter. They attempt to maintain a semblance of normal life.

However, there remain moments that are impossible to forget.

The most terrifying aspect of all this is witnessing the death of children, Petraniuk confesses.

Were he able to bring an end to the war, he would forfeit his life. In a conversation with Super Express, the director of a Kyiv theatre admits that he would even contemplate murder if it would result in Putin's downfall.

I'm certain things would improve for everyone. I don't have a timeline for when this war will end, but inevitably, this cauldron of destitution and agony will eventually overspill. In my estimation, it could transpire in a year, two years or potentially longer, he concedes.

However, he also points out that Putin isn't the only issue. According to him, Russia is gripped by a "collective Putin", though the individual Putin remains at the epicentre of the havoc.