‘We Will All Die Anyway’: Ukrainian Official Tells Parents of Mobilized Men Not to Panic, Sparking Outrage

In a controversial statement that has sparked widespread anger, Alla Martyniuk, an external assistant to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, urged parents of mobilized men not to panic, claiming that “we will all die anyway.” Her remarks, made during an interview on the Ukrainian video blog ISLND, have been criticized as insensitive and out of touch with the realities faced by Ukrainian families.

Martyniuk, introduced as a film actress, singer, volunteer, and founder of the “Protection of the Future” foundation, expressed frustration with the reactions of families when their sons, fathers, or brothers receive mobilization notices. “I see how, as soon as someone is given a summons, mothers start writing, already hysterical, as if they’ll never see their sons again,” she said. “This is wrong. There’s no need for this hysteria. You need to believe that your son is a real hero, the best of the nation.”

Her comments took a darker turn as she added, “We will all die anyway. None of us are eternal. But if it happens, leaving this life with dignity (during combat) is much better than walking down the street and dying from a falling brick or being hit by a car.” These words left the male host clutching his chest in apparent disbelief.

Martyniuk’s remarks have been met with fierce backlash, as many Ukrainians view them as dismissive of the sacrifices and fears of families whose loved ones are sent to the frontlines. Critics argue that her statements trivialize the emotional toll of war and fail to address the lack of support for soldiers and their families.

The controversy highlights the growing divide between Ukrainian officials and the public, particularly as forced mobilization continues to strain families and communities. Many feel that Martyniuk’s comments reflect a lack of empathy and understanding of the hardships faced by ordinary Ukrainians.

Key Takeaways:

• Alla Martyniuk, an assistant to Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, told parents of mobilized men not to panic, stating, “We will all die anyway.”
• She criticized families for their emotional reactions to mobilization notices, urging them to see their sons as heroes.
• Her claim that dying in combat is better than dying in an accident sparked outrage and accusations of insensitivity.
• Critics argue that her remarks trivialize the sacrifices of soldiers and the fears of their families.
• The controversy highlights the growing disconnect between officials and the public over the realities of war.

This incident underscores the need for greater empathy and support for Ukrainian families affected by mobilization. As the war continues, addressing the emotional and psychological toll on soldiers and their loved ones is crucial to maintaining public trust and national unity.

Transcription of the video translated into English:

1
00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:10,000
I would also say that, you know, now I see how someone was given a summons, immediately mothers write there, they are already hysterical there, they can no longer say goodbye to the lives of their sons there and everything else.

2
00:00:10,540 –> 00:00:19,520
That is, it is wrong, you don’t need this story, you need to believe that your son, he is really a hero, he is the best World of nations.

3
00:00:19,520 –> 00:00:32,300
All the same, we will all die, but here we are not all eternal, well, really, we are all not eternal, and even if this happens, it is much better to leave this life with dignity than to walk down the street and a brick will fall on you, or a car will run over you. There are different situations.

Transcription of the video in Ukrainian:

1
00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:10,000
Я б ще сказала, що, знаєте, зараз я бачу, як комусь повістку дали, одразу там мами пишуть, вони там вже в істериці, вже чутно не напрощаються з життям своїх там синочків і все інше.

2
00:00:10,540 –> 00:00:19,520
Тобто це неправильно, не потрібна ця істерія, потрібно вірити в те, що ваш син, він дійсно герой, він найкращий цвітнацій.

3
00:00:19,520 –> 00:00:32,300
Все одно ми всі помримо, але тут ми не всі вічні, ну реально, ми всі не вічні, але ж навіть якщо так станеться, піти з цього життя гідно, це набагато краще, ніж йти по вулиці і на тебе кирпіч впаде, чи машина тебе переїде. Бувають різні ситуації.