We interviewed the Presidents of the Russian and Ukraine societies – together

We met up with the president of the Russian Society, Economics and Finance second year Richard Rubo, and president of the Ukraine Society, Mechanical Engineering third year Vladimir Osmolovych, to find out about themselves, their societies and the interactions between them. Here’s what they have to say.

They’re actually best buds

Firstly, how fast can you bolt?

Vladimir – I prefer wine, I only really had pints on sports socials, probably around seven seconds.

Richard – Quite quickly.

Tell us a bit about both your societies.

Vladimir – The Ukrainian Society is fairly new having only been founded five years ago, there was initially not many students but the few who did start off were very motivated. Originally however the society was very inactive. I joined last year and became Social Sec and this year I am President of the society. We now have around 60 members with  more than 50 per cent  being Ukrainian students.

Getting along just fine

Richard – The Russian Society is reasonably old having been around for approximately 20 years. Originally the society was a British society started to help students learn the Russian language. The society’s aims have now changed and are focused less on education and more on helping students integrate into British culture and socialising with other international societies. Last year I was the Treasurer of the society and this year I am the President of the society.

What kind of socials do your societies run?

Vladimir – Our socials tend to focus on just having a good time – we do organise drinking events however they are unofficial and organised by the members within the society. For example this year we had a BBQ party and organised a joint social with the Russian Society playing paintball.

Richard – Again our society has no official drinking social or events. The society organises a lot of events to support students in Business based subjects but do organise events such as a football tournament which was inspired by the World Cup.

It’s all very friendly

Are there ever any conflicts between your societies based on the political situation between Ukraine and Russia?

Richard – The society itself is completely detatched from any politics, we want everyone to feel comfortable and so it’s a strict no-go topic.

Vladimir – The Ukrainian Society is also completely seperate from any political issues. There are occasionally casual discussions on it  however this is as friends just chatting and not a society driven thing. The media in both countries portrays the conflicts in different lights so it is sometimes rather interesting to see both sides however it is always a grounded debate, never aggressive.

How did you two meet and become such good friends?

Vladimir – We met in Arena during first year.

Richard – I was in my foundation year and we both met outside getting a kebab. I came along to a card game with Vlad in Birks and we just clicked. We both strongly supported each others ideas and now we work together to achieve mutual goals within our societies and this really helps our ideas to happen.