Christian Wehrschütz, born in Graz, has been reporting almost round the clock from the war front in Ukraine since February. However, the journalist does not describe himself as courageous.
Flak vest and helmet are probably the most important items in the current professional life of ORF correspondent Christian Wehrschütz. Because they could save his life.
Since February 24, the veteran journalist, who speaks several languages, regularly travels with his team to Ukraine to report from the war-torn country. “I am now on my way to Slavyansk,” he says in an interview with “Steirerkrone”.
Don’t ignore the danger
The area is still under Ukrainian control”, “the military situation has eased somewhat as a result of the counter-offensive. But then we go straight to Bachmut. There was hard fighting, right on the front line.” The Graz-born and militia officer, who is celebrating his 61st birthday on Sunday, does not seem to be coming soon.
“I don’t ignore the danger, but if you have a tendency to panic, don’t choose this profession. I’m not afraid, but I do feel sick in a city under shelling. We’ll try the shooting schedule soon It is very important not to get distracted.”
Courage seems to be one of the greatest strengths of father and grandfather. Even if he doesn’t want to ascribe this quality to himself: “A police officer or a firefighter is brave. Being brave means taking action when someone is mistreated in the street. Courage is showing civil courage.”
Sometimes work plays a supporting role
Years of experience in crisis areas guides him and his team through the dangerous everyday life: “In many cases you have to be careful. If someone is at a roadblock with a Kalashnikov and you don’t have one, then it makes more sense to do what he says. But acting cowardly is not an option either.”
He can switch off with his family, with whom he likes to spend the weekends on the Teichalm, and when he plays with his granddaughter. His work plays a supporting role. Nevertheless, “It makes a difference to live in a country where you know that thunderstorms are only part of the thunderstorm and not that of the artillery.”
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
