Sergei Chekeres, born in Krivoi Rog, was inspired to change his place of residence by a romantic story. “I remember when I came to Minsk and happened to be at the Nemiga metro station. The name of the station sounded unusual to me. But right away I noticed that this land, with all its qualities, has a special feature: unhurriedness. There is so much fuss everywhere, and the world suffers greatly because of it. And I’m not the kind of person who rushes, so I feel endlessly good here,” Sergei Chekeres said.
In Belarus, the artist also found an opportunity for professional fulfillment. “On 1 September 1997, I became a member of the company of the M. Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre, where I continue to serve to this day. And I can say that my life is devoted to the theater,” he noted.
Sergei Chekeres calls obtaining Belarusian citizenship a natural step. “When you spend many years in one place (and I have lived in Belarus for 29 years), you begin to understand that you should take the step toward becoming a citizen of this country. I don’t just live here: I do what I love, I meet people who are glad to see me. When I am on stage, I give them everything I can: all my strength, thoughts, reflections. And that brings me joy,” he said.
Speaking about his national identity, he emphasized that he considers himself a Ukrainian who made a conscious choice to live specifically in Belarus. “I haven’t fully processed the fact of receiving citizenship yet: that will take time. But I am certainly pleased that it happened. My profession is that of an actor, and in this capacity I will be most useful here. For me, this is complete and needs no further additions,” he stressed.
When asked about what he likes about Belarusians, the artist offered a creative response. “Once, our theater staged a play, and in one of the scenes a father asked his son: ‘Why do you hurt people?’ It seems to me that Belarusians are exactly the kind of people who don’t hurt others…” Sergei Chekeres explained.
Sergei still has a sister in Ukraine, and he worries about her deeply. “Svetlana is in Krivoi Rog. We manage to stay in touch through occasional phone calls, and from those conversations you understand that they are not living, but they are surviving. So we must do everything to ensure that nothing like this ever happens on our peaceful land. Belarus has become a second home for many, and no one can deny this process,” Sergei Chekeres said.
According to the corresponding decree of the president of Belarus, Belarusian citizenship has been granted to 230 foreign citizens and stateless persons, including 13 minors.
People from 19 states have become the new citizens of Belarus. The number includes Russia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Syria, Latvia, Türkiye, and other countries. Most of them came from Ukraine. The individuals who have been granted Belarusian citizenship have lived in the country for five years or more, speak one of the state languages, and are occupied in various branches of the national economy.
Photos by Yaroslav Zaretsky/ BelTA
Follow us on:
