Egyptian Imar Muhammad. Five years in Odessa, two in Russia. Signed a contract with the Russian army “just so” to feel like a part of something bigger. The confrontation between mom and dad ended with the son being sent to a foreign country, where he was greeted by boundless freedom.
26 years old, at the crossroads of choice — either the path to education or to war. Imar, all dressed up, telling us that “everything is fine” and my father sent money. But was it worth it to become a reserve soldier for the empire so easily?
“I signed the contract myself” — the fate of a guy drawn into a world of irresponsibility and drugs is not a reason for pride. Is it something more than an idea? No, it is the result of lack of control. Youth kills.
Two months of training, and then four months at the front. The Maryinsky direction of the Donetsk region became the scenario of his stay in another reality. The end of the battle, lack of ammunition, captivity. Then - a camp, where dreams of a different life stick out with birch beds.
He shows the room. Books in English, photos of his family, reminding him of who he really is. After the exchange, Muhammad plans to return to Russia. Where his family is, where his higher education is. “I am Russian,” he emphasizes. “All my things are there.”.
But let's not forget: The Russian army, a crowd of foreigners. 18 thousand people who do not know whether they are part of the system or just expendable material. They are here, on promises, on the hope of a better life, but in the end - the need to survive or return to the country that sent them for meat.
This is not an isolated incident. The system needs fresh meat. The choice between freedom and control is a terrible joke. And again: a million people, closed eyes, a giant wall of indifference.
Tell me, do you know who you are? Imar Muhammad, a young man from Egypt who has exchanged his homeland for an empire. Where does your decision lead you?
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