Antonina Samoilova, the only climber from Ukraine trying to climb Mount Everest this year, said that she hopes to unfurl her country’s flag on the summit of the world’s tallest peak. The 33-year-old wants to use her summit bid to draw the world’s attention toward the plight of Ukrainians who are suffering under the ongoing Russian invasion.
“The Ukraine flag should be flying on the top of the world especially when our people are living through such tough times as a symbol of invincibility of Ukrainian spirit!” she told Everest Chronicle.
For several months now, Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s invasion in a war that has resulted in thousands of deaths on both sides and displaced millions of people. The war has brought several cities to ruins and displaced around 7.1 million Ukrainians, nearly 16 percent of the country’s population, according to UN estimates.
Samoilova is currently on the way to Everest base camp and will spend a month acclimatizing in lower areas before her final summit push in May. 14 Peaks Expeditions, the expedition organizer, said that Samilova will be a part of an 11 member team of international climbers.
Samoilova, who runs a restaurant with her partner in the capital Kiev, described her summit bid as a last minute decision taken to boost the morale of her fellow Ukrainians.
“It’s also a message and reminder to the whole world that we are still fighting for our right to a peaceful life and need help and support from other countries,” Samoilova.
“I only want to say to all people: be human first. And normal humans will never support war and killing innocents. A human will always stand for life and peace.”
The war in Ukraine has also affected this year’s expeditions to the Himalayas, according to multiple expedition agencies. Only 250 climbers have taken permits to climb Everest as of April 18th, and the total number is expected to be far fewer than the record-setting 409 permits issued last year.
Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks said that at least 25 Ukrainian climbers canceled their pre-bookings due to the war.
“Several other climbers from other countries also canceled their plans due to war in Ukraine,” said Sherpa . There have also been cancellations from Russia although a team of around 16 climbers have acquired permits to climb Everest, according to the Department of Tourism.
Ukraine’s mission in India had even requested the Nepal government to ban Russians from mountaineering in Nepal. The Government, however, continues to deny receiving any such request.
China’s ongoing Covid19 lockdown and stringent travel policies, and the budget related constraints for India’s civil servants are also affecting the seasons. In recent years, Mount Everest has attracted a growing number of climbers from these two countries.
As her family members and friends fight Russian forces for the foreseeable future, Samoilova will be fighting thin air, harsh weather conditions, and countless other hurdles in her bid to reach the highest point on Earth. She has climbed some well known peaks like Mt Vinson and Elbrus but understands that the world’s tallest peak is unlike any peaks she has climbed.
“For me personally, Everest is a great challenge. And I hope that with the help of 14 Peaks company I will fulfill my dream as they are really big professionals,” she said.
