Please describe the environment you were raised in.

I was born in 1976 in Semipalatinsk, roughly 100 kilometers from the nuclear testing site. Before the nuclear tests began, my grandfather moved to Semipalatinsk, and my grandmother and mother were also born and raised there.

I hear you are confronting several health challenges.

That’s correct. I suffer from a genetic disorder called cleidocranial dysostosis. Due to this condition, I more or less completely lack collarbones and have experienced abnormal development in my skull. My arms, shoulders and chest are not anchored by collarbones, which constrains the movement of my arms and hands. It’s difficult for me to reach high places, and lifting my arms up high is nearly impossible. Whenever I try to carry heavy objects, my arm sags, causing pain in my muscles and ligaments. My condition has worsened in recent years. At times, I have to cradle my arm as if it’s fractured, using my shoulder bag strap for support. Furthermore, because my cervical spine is not stable, if I stay upright for a long time, my blood vessels get compressed, and I have to lie down. I can only remain standing for 4–6 hours at most. These health issues have inevitably impacted my work. I have worked as a taxi driver for many years, but lately I haven’t been feeling good and have had to take many days off.

In 2015, you were recognized as a victim of nuclear exposure in Kazakhstan.

Yes, I once asked the doctors, “Will this disease be passed on to my children?” Sadly, no one could give me a clear answer.

I therefore chose not to have children. Being deprived of the joy of becoming a father was perhaps the greatest pain and sorrow of my life—a pain that no compensation could ever remedy.

What drove you to share your experiences as a victim of nuclear testing?

It was five years ago. A passenger got into my taxi. I always try to engage in friendly conversation to ensure that my passengers feel at ease. So, I asked the passenger why he came to Semey. He told me he was part of a movement to abolish nuclear weapons and was looking for individuals who were affected by the nuclear tests in the former Semipalatinsk and were willing to share their experiences.

When I told him, “I am one such victim. Perhaps I might be the person you’re looking for.” He then asked if I could offer my cooperation. Initially, my story was featured in a publication of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).

Later, I was asked, “Could you speak about the struggles of nuclear test victims on an international stage?” I turned to my mother for advice. She encouraged me, saying, “You should definitely do it. You should speak out as a tribute to your grandmother’s memory.”

Last June, I shared my experience at a side event during the First Meeting of States Parties of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which took place in Vienna, Austria.

What are your thoughts on the present global reality surrounding nuclear weapons?

I have two main observations. Firstly, I am astounded by how little the world knows about the devastation caused by nuclear tests. Secondly, many people are convinced that the “nuclear shield” is indispensable for their nation’s security and autonomy. However, these people are oblivious to the immense sacrifices underpinning this “nuclear shield.” Even if the intention of the “nuclear shield” is to protect a country, it is, in fact, built upon the sacrifices of its own citizens.

I felt the need to redouble my efforts so that more people can become aware of the truth about our challenges. I don’t believe this issue is going to be resolved overnight. But I believe that by continuing these activities, we can help mitigate the damage.

Is there a particular point that you emphasize when preparing your presentations on this issue?

What I can include in my presentation script is merely a fraction, “one part in several hundred thousand,” of our experiences and history. That’s why I am committed to raising awareness about the challenges faced by victims of nuclear tests like myself.

As you look ahead, what would be your primary focus?

I would like to witness with my own eyes the moment when the last nuclear weapon in the world is eradicated. Whether it’s for testing or for use, I want to make sure that there are no more victims of nuclear weapons. It is my unwavering resolve to continue working towards this goal.