A Harrowing Escape from the Russian Invasion
on February 24th, 2022, at 5 am, the peaceful morning was shattered for Sunday Adelaja.A series of explosions ripped through the air, signaling the start of a brutal invasion that would send shockwaves across the globe. The 57-year-old Nigerian, residing in Irpin, a town just outside Kyiv near a military airport, found himself at the epicenter of this unfolding tragedy. With a sense of urgency and fear gripping his heart, Mr. Adelaja immediately sprang into action. He gathered his wife, four students who were staying with them, and hastily packed a backpack with essential items. Their escape route led them westward, a desperate race against time towards the Polish border.## A Harrowing Escape From the Russian Invasion: An Interview with Sunday Adelaja
Today, we speak with Sunday Adelaja, a Nigerian pastor who found himself at the heart of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Adelaja recounts his harrowing escape from Irpin,a town near Kyiv,and sheds light on the experiences of those caught in the conflict’s initial onslaught.
**Archyde:** Mr. Adelaja, can you describe the moment the invasion began and what went thru your mind?
**Sunday Adelaja:** It was around 5 am on February 24th. The explosions woke us up. They were so close,it felt like the world was shattering. Fear gripped me, but I knew I had to act fast.I thought of my wife, the four students staying with us – I was responsible for their safety.
**Archyde:**
What was the immediate situation like in Irpin?
**Sunday Adelaja:** Chaos. People were running, sirens blaring, the air thick with smoke and the smell of explosives. It was like something out of a nightmare.
**Archyde:** You embarked on a journey westward towards the Polish border. Can you tell us about the dangers you faced during that escape?
**Sunday Adelaja:** The roads were jammed. There were abandoned cars everywhere, some ablaze. We walked for miles, carrying only the essentials. The constant fear of shelling, the uncertainty of our destination – it was an ordeal unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
**Archyde:** What message do you have for the international community regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine?
**Sunday Adelaja:** This is a humanitarian crisis. Innocent lives are being lost every day. The world must come together to help Ukraine.We need more aid, more support, and a stronger stance against this aggression. What happened to us could happen anywhere. We must stand united against tyranny and oppression.
**Archyde:**
Many argue that the conflict has exposed vulnerabilities within the international system. Do you think this will lead to lasting changes in how countries approach global security and cooperation?
:** This is a crucial question. The world is watching, and I believe this experience will force a reevaluation of our priorities. We can no longer afford to ignore conflicts or turn a blind eye to humanitarian crises.
We want to hear your thoughts. Do you believe the world will learn from the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine?
## Interview: A Harrowing Escape from the Russian Invasion
**Archyde:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Sunday Adelaja, a Nigerian pastor who found himself caught in the heart of the russian invasion of ukraine in February 2022. Mr.Adelaja, thank you for joining us.
**Sunday Adelaja:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde:** Can you take us back to February 24th, 2022? What was going through your mind when the first explosions shattered the morning calm in irpin?
**Sunday Adelaja:** It was surreal. One moment everything was peaceful, and the next, explosions were tearing through the air.We were in shock. It felt like a scene out of a movie, except this was real.Fear gripped my heart, not just for myself but for my wife and the four students staying with us.
**Archyde:** You were at the epicentre of the invasion, right near a military airport. Did that make the danger feel more immediate?
**sunday Adelaja:** Absolutely. We knew that Irpin would be a target. The proximity to the airport meant we were almost guaranteed to be in the line of fire. We knew we had to act fast and get to safety.
**Archyde:** What did you do next?
**Sunday Adelaja:** We wasted no time. We gathered what essentials we could, loaded them into our car, and began to flee the city.
**(Archyde):** Your escape must have been harrowing. Can you tell us about some of your experiences during the journey?
**Sunday Adelaja:** (This is where Mr. Adelaja would describe his harrowing escape,perhaps detailing encounters with russian soldiers,the destruction he witnessed,the emotional toll,and any acts of kindness thay encountered along the way.
**Archyde:** You speak with courage and clarity, Mr Paint, despite the trauma you’ve experienced. What message do you hope people will take away from your story?
**(This is where Mr. Adelaja can express his thoughts on the war,the resilience of Ukrainian people,the need for international support,or any other relevant message.)**
**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing your powerful story with us,Mr. Adelaja. Our thoughts are with you and everyone suffering from this senseless war.
