Alina Tolkal | Donetsk

"It is impossible to get insulin in Donetsk"

I come to the stable every day. I take on any job. I am glad to have the opportunity to do show jumping. I train even when I an hear burst of machine-gun fire in the distance.

For me, it's not just sport. Serious physical activity is vital for me.

I have been living with diabetes for several years. I have to get insulin injections every day. The dose for a teenager costs about UAH 2,000. I also need test strips and needles for a blood glucose meter. To get free state insulin, you need to register in the government controlled territories of Ukraine. Those who still live here are simply helpless.

Now it is impossible to get insulin in Donetsk. Pharmacies simply don't have them.

When quoting a story, a reference to the source – the Museum of Civilian Voices of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation – is required in the following format:

The Museum of Civilian Voices founded by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation https://civilvoicesmuseum.org/