On Everest, a Ukrainian climber is pleading for help.
A Ukrainian climber announced on Wednesday that she will summit Mount Everest with her country’s flag to raise international support and improve morale among those fighting the Russian invasion.
Antonina Samoilova, 33, will be the sole climber from Ukraine attempting to summit a Himalayan peak this season, and she says it’s the only way she knows to bring attention to her countrymen’s plight.
“I’m climbing Everest to support all of Ukraine’s people, every warrior, every volunteer, and all of those who have been impacted by this awful war, and to give strength to fight until we win,” she told AFP in Kathmandu.
“I believe it would be a great source of encouragement for Ukrainians to know that, even in this difficult year… our Ukrainian flag will fly at the top of the world,” she continued.
Samoilova is attempting to join a small group of climbers who have scaled the Seven Summits – the highest summits on each continent — and has already conquered Kilimanjaro in Africa, Elbrus in Europe, and Mount Vinson in Antarctica.
When news of the Russian invasion reached her in February, she was at the summit of Mexico’s tallest mountain, Pico de Orizaba.
Her first battle reports came from a bomb bunker in Kyiv, where her sister was hiding.
Her father and brother were now fighting, and she was “extremely proud of them,” she remarked.
In response for the invasion, Irina Galay, the first Ukrainian woman to climb Everest, has urged for Russian athletes to be banned from Himalayan Mountains this year.
The issue has been raised by Ukraine’s government, but Nepal has taken no action, despite the fact that 17 Russians are among the 607 climbers who have been granted permits for the current season.
Samoilova, who will soon join at least 225 other climbers at Everest base camp in a tented city, said she is distracted with thoughts of home.
“I’ve always wanted to return to Ukraine… as well as hugging my entire family and I’m hoping that will come true,” she expressed her optimism.
