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Transcript/ScriptUSAGM SHARE
((PLAYBOOK SLUG: TV Ukraine Sumy Blacksmith – Adamenko
HEADLINE: Ukrainian Blacksmith Helps Territorial Defense
TEASER: Anton Zaika finds his metalworking skills in demand during the war
PUBLISHED AT: 7/25/2022 at 9:30AM
BYLINE: Olena Adamenko
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Sumy, Ukraine
VIDEOGRAPHER: Mykhailo Zaika
VIDEO EDITOR: Mykhailo Zaika
SCRIPT EDITORS: KE; Reifenrath
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA, Story Hunter
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:42
VID APPROVED BY: KE
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES:))
((INTRO))
[[A local blacksmith in Sumy, Ukraine, who used to make furniture has transformed his business in the face of war. Olena Adamenko has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.]]
((NATS)) ((Sparks fly, metal is being cut))
((NARRATION))
This small factory in the Ukrainian city of Sumy has been making metal loft furniture for European clients for the past seven years. But on the day Russia invaded, it started helping residents trying to protect the city.
((Anton Zaika, Smithy Owner)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“We started getting phone calls — people were asking for cast-iron stoves, for anti-tank hedgehogs — anything that could be placed on a road to stop the occupiers.”
((NARRATION))
A soldier from one of the territorial defense units says it’s made a difference.
((Oleksandr, Military)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“All the hardware for these trench shelters — that’s all thanks to Zaika. We are so grateful. And now I’ve come to discuss some cast-iron stoves…”
Reporter: So, you’re going to get a stove right now? ((Reporter off Cam))
Oleksandr: No, no, I just came to ask if he has any! He has given us so many already, I feel ashamed to ask for more.”
((NARRATION))
Zaika did find some stoves for Oleksandr. As well as some special brackets.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine, Zaika was hoping to expand and build another workshop. He had already bought about $25,000 worth of material. But all of it was used in the first month of the war to help the territorial defense units on the front lines.
((Anton Zaika, Smithy Owner)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“Then people started bringing in stuff … everything and anything they could find. There was one guy who walked 5 or 6 kilometers carrying stuff for us — in the snow! He brought over 20 kilos of plated electrodes. Many people asked how they could help.”
((NARRATION))
With the help of an Instagram fundraising page, Zaika and his team are also buying and transforming cars to serve military purposes.
((Anton Zaika, Smithy Owner)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“We cover the front with metal so the radiator and the engine can’t get destroyed. Then we put protectors on wheels.”
((NARRATION))
Apart from helping the Ukrainian military, Zaika has also been working hard to
((Mandatory courtesy: Anton Zaika))
make the lives of his wife, who just recently gave birth, and their six-year-old son a little easier.
((End courtesy))
((Anton Zaika, Smithy Owner)) ((IN UKRAINIAN))
“We were lucky that when she went into labor, the shelling eased up a little. And after our daughter was born, there was no shelling for a couple of days. My mom said that our girl brought us some peace. That’s the best thing that has happened to us — the birth of our daughter!”
((NATS))
((Anton and his family are walking, pushing the stroller. His young son sings))
((NARRATION))
Gentle words coming from a man who works with fire and metal.
((For Olena Adamenko in Sumy, Ukraine, Anna Rice, VOA News))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateJuly 25, 2022 09:35 EDT
BylineOlena Adamenko
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
