'Holding a Kalashnikov gives me hope': Ukrainian MP bears arms in face of Russian invasion

Ukrainian Member of Parliament Kira Rudik said she, like many others in Ukraine, has picked up arms in the face of the Russian invasion to protect her country and her people. Here's what she told India Today in an exclusive interview.

Holding a Kalashnikov gives me hope, Ukrainian Member of Parliament Kira Rudik told India Today on Saturday. Rudik, who is also the leader of Ukraine's Voice Party, is among Ukrainians who have decided to take matters into their own hands in the face of the Russian invasion.

A photo she posted on Twitter of herself holding a Kalashnikov is going viral.

"I learn to use #Kalashnikov and prepare to bear arms. It sounds surreal, as just a few days ago it would never come to my mind. Our #women will protect our soil the same way as our #men," Kira Rudik wrote on Twitter.

Speaking to India Today on Saturday, Rudik said this was the first time she had picked up arms.

"I was very very angry when the war started. I am still very angry. I still don't understand how the neighbouring country [Russia] and Putin can deny Ukraine the right to exist and I am very angry that I am being made to leave my town and my family is threatened and we are all put under threat just because the crazy dictator is telling us so," Kira Rudik said.