The Ukrainian DJ Daniel Detcom actually had plans to visit Norway in February 2022. – But you know what happened, he says jokingly. After having fought against the Russians for over two years, both in Kyiv, Bakmut, Soledar and Kherson, Daniel is finally in place in Norway. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news news meets him at Oslo Airport, where he is reunited with his good friend and DJ colleague Kent Tonning, or MRD as he has become known around the world. Kent gives Daniel a long and good hug and leads him to Flytoget. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news The two friends have not seen each other since before the war started and they have a lot to talk about. Daniel looks out over the landscape through the train window. – Norway is so green and peaceful. – And expensive, he adds. Sleeping for the war Safely back in Oslo, Daniel begins to tell about everything he has experienced as a soldier during two years on the battlefield. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news – We had sensed a tension for a long time, since 2014 actually. And when the Russians finally invaded, I thought “fuck it, I’ll kill them.” But Daniel actually missed the start of the war, due to the circadian rhythm that comes with being a DJ. – They started bombing at four o’clock in the morning and I didn’t wake up until ten o’clock. As soon as he understood what was going on, he took up arms and eventually became part of the official Ukrainian military. – We were, in a way, armed homeless who wandered around the Kyiv area and were given food and shelter by strangers who supported us. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news He takes a sip of his beer and brags about the Trønder brew, before continuing. – I look back on the first weeks of the war now as a good time. People stormed the recruitment centers to join the fight. It’s not like that anymore. Since then, Daniel has fought on the battlefield both in Bakhmut, Soledar and Kherson. He was also supposed to fight in Avdiivka, but by the time his group had the plan ready and the equipment in place it was too late. The withdrawal was already a fact. Daniel believes that the retreat from Avdiivka could have been avoided if they had had fighter planes. – The Russians succeed in taking Avdijivka with the help of aircraft and glide bombs. When we get the fighters, that strategy will no longer work, and then we will gain the upper hand again, predicts Daniel. He believes that the arms deliveries from the West will be able to turn the war back in Ukraine’s favour. Photo: Privat According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives in the war so far. Daniel credits a lot of training and good training for the fact that his company has suffered few losses compared to many others. But it has been close. Last year he was hit by the shock wave from a Russian bomb and spent a week in hospital. Drones fill the sky Daniel takes a drag from his weapon. – I have stopped smoking. Smoking kills you, you know, he says and smiles slyly. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news – If you light a cigarette in the trench that glows and creates smoke, you will quickly be killed, he explains. Daniel says that the Russians have learned from their mistakes through two years of war. They have updated their strategy and are now a formidable opponent. Photo: Privat Drones have become an important part of the war for both sides, and are a constant concern. He explains that the Russians use large quantities of drones, which they produce in large quantities and at high speed. – The whole sky is buzzing all the time, he says. Daniel keeps thinking about how the war will end. He himself hopes that it will not end with Putin being deposed. Photo: Private – The fact that he is so scared and incompetent is a big advantage for us. The worst that can happen is if they bring in a more capable dictator, he says. – So in that way, and only in that way, you can say that I am quite pro-Putin. Nor does he believe it will end in an all-exterminating nuclear war. – But who knows, he adds. – The bloody war The next day, Daniel DJs at the Oslovelo nightclub together with MRD, as was the plan in February 2022. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news They play happy tunes and the mood is euphoric. – My tolerance is not what it once was, I haven’t had a drink in over two years, smiles Daniel. “Tequila” sounds from The Champs through the loudspeakers, and the two DJs take a shot each. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news A Ukrainian flag is hung in front of the mixing table, and during the evening people run over and sign with thanks and well wishes. There is also a fundraiser in the bar for military vehicles. When the flag is completely filled with signatures, Daniel nibbles it down and uses it as a cloak. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news It is difficult to imagine that in just a few days he will return to the battlefield. The two friends take a break from the mixing desk. Photo: Alexander Slotten / news Kent and Daniel met when they played in Kyiv many years ago. Before the war, Ukraine had a bustling techno scene and a legendary nightlife. – Kyiv was becoming the new Berlin, says Daniel. Kent agrees. – I remember all my colleagues saying that at the time. – The damn war, sighs Daniel.
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Under a buzzing sky – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
