Curated by Kateryna Panasyuk
Finish of August 2022
I actually need to thank every of you individuals who have been studying these tales and allow you to know that what you do issues. Your studying, speaking, pondering, and writing about Ukraine, all of it makes a distinction. None of us authors have ever deliberate issues which can be occurring in our lives at present; personally I by no means imagined myself writing to dozens of folks that I’ve by no means spoken to earlier than to ask them for assist. Voxeurop has been a kind of who responded with readiness and open arms.
Listed here are two issues I ask you to do: keep in mind about Ukraine, as reminiscence is an affidavit of crimes dedicated in opposition to my individuals; and open your doorways to these in want, be it a Ukrainian refugee, somebody asking you to share a narrative, or anybody else.
It’s been a pleasure.
See you after we come again to write down a diary of Ukraine’s Victory,
Kateryna Panasiuk
International civilians in the course of the battle
Onysym Zharovskyy
By beginning the battle, Russia has endangered not solely Ukrainians but in addition hundreds of overseas residents who’ve remained in our nation, primarily vacationers and college students. Most of them got here from peaceable international locations and have been utterly unprepared for battle. They did not know the Ukrainian language, making it onerous for them to know the entire state of affairs and comply with the updates.
For the reason that first days of the battle, I have been a volunteer at a shelter for refugees in Lviv, a big metropolis close to the Polish border. It turned out my shelter was based particularly for overseas residents in want of lodging. I’m on night time shifts solely and in some instances I’ve seen them coming in the course of the night time. These individuals have been from throughout the globe: Arabs, Individuals, Nigerians, Chinese language, Polish, Italians, Turkish, Bangladeshis, Belarussians – predominantly younger individuals, learning, working or simply having a great time in our nation. When the battle began, some have been scared whereas others behaved carelessly, and the remainder have been confused. They did not imagine the battle to be potential. All of them appeared exhausted. We tried to calm them down and assist them in any means we may. Our friends stayed for one night time after which moved in direction of the Polish border.
Basically, most of our residents didn’t perceive what was occurring and the way critical the hazard was. I instructed all of the newcomers on what they need to do In the event that they heard an air alarm. Some did not even know what it seemed like. Alarms screamed virtually each night time; It was powerful for my colleagues and me to get up, collect all of the residents and go to the closest bomb shelter in only a few minutes. Some would refuse to go as a result of they needed to sleep, and we might must spend further time convincing them, explaining that the alarm implies that a missile assault on our metropolis is feasible, and that if a rocket hits our dorm, we almost certainly wouldn’t survive – solely then would they comply with cooperate. Clearly, most individuals did not perceive the hazard, and that is okay – they didn’t have any battle expertise.
By beginning this horrible and unjust battle, Russia has endangered all civilians who stayed right here. It has already killed hundreds. That is the best way terrorists behave.
#Russia is a terrorist state.
Our every day routine
Oleksandr Manastyrskyy
My title is Oleksandr. I am 19, and at present I am a third yr scholar of Political Science at Ukrainian Catholic College. Even earlier than the battle I used to be an lively volunteer in several tasks and social initiatives. Now I’m doing my greatest to assist my nation as a lot as I can, since solely collectively can we recover from all of this and win this horrible battle.
For the reason that battle began, I’ve volunteered every day, as many Ukrainians have. Nevertheless, it looks like the whole lot is calming down proper now, and this isn’t as a result of the battle is slowing down or as a result of Ukrainian navy forces have tackled the enemy. The reality is that a lot of the inhabitants is getting used to the battle. Most Europeans don’t care a lot about what’s occurring in Ukraine since they’ve their very own life duties and priorities. To again this up, a private expertise: I used to handle my volunteering centre, which principally obtained provides from overseas. In June nonetheless, I seen that the quantity of assist began reducing dramatically as a result of some individuals simply obtained drained, whereas some thought that they had carried out sufficient already. From my observations, even Ukrainians, particularly within the West, behave as if there isn’t a battle anymore.
I’m at present on break from my volunteering duties due to school research and another private points. Nevertheless, I cooperate with an NGO engaged on tasks for Ukraine’s restoration. At the moment, many companies and foundations in Ukraine are going by way of powerful instances since, in response to consultants, the losses of small and mid-size companies make up for about $85 billion. All of it induced shortages in manufacturing and downsizing in lots of corporations. These components pushed many individuals to flee their cities and houses, on the lookout for higher locations to stay. Some discovered them within the EU.
Nevertheless, the battle continues to be occurring, and troopers and civilians die every day. Individuals are ravenous. 1000’s have misplaced their properties. Many grew to become victims of russian troopers’ bodily – and generally sexual – violence. Lately, a Russian airstrike killed 18 individuals and injured 30 extra in a mall in Kremenchuk. A number of weeks in the past, Russian rockets hit civil buildings in Donetsk, Mykolaiv and Odesa areas. Consequently, many individuals obtained caught beneath the rubble, and a few have been killed immediately.
That is our every day routine. I want extra individuals would hold that in thoughts. Do not forget that when you get pleasure from your night, some individuals are afraid of not waking up the subsequent morning. Preserve that in thoughts and assist Ukraine win. We’re stronger collectively.
The politics of artwork and tradition
Martha Belia
The Russian-Ukrainian battle has already been occurring for five months. And I’m personally outraged when somebody begins defending a terrorist state and tolerates Russians, who, of their majority assist – actively and passively – the battle.
I need to inform you that you shouldn’t tolerate something Russian: from literature to trendy performers. On this quick piece, I can’t write about how the colonial energy of the Russian Empire after which the USSR appropriated Ukrainian artists and scientists or mercilessly destroyed and erased them from the pages of historical past.
I simply need to clarify why it’s best to quit the whole lot Russian, in case you are an individual with conscience and dignity, in the event you worth human life.
Many ignorant individuals imagine that “artwork is exterior of politics”, however it isn’t true. Artwork is energy, it’s tradition, and it’s historical past. Artwork is of nice significance to those that need to management the best way males assume. Due to this fact, the occupiers at all times destroy artwork or push it into the propaganda framework.
Since February 24, Russians have destroyed greater than 417 monuments of cultural heritage and left a wasteland behind. They destroy museums and monuments and raze the whole lot Ukrainian to the bottom. Russian armed forces have broken a minimum of 379 academic establishments in Ukraine, and greater than 50 of them have been destroyed. They even burn Ukrainian books and textbooks. These actions are deliberate with a purpose to erase Ukrainian historical past and tradition.
All of these are battle crimes, for which the aggressor state will undoubtedly reply.
Whereas the battle is happening, whereas the Russians are destroying the whole lot Ukrainian, the civilised world should surrender the tradition of the terrorist state. As a result of in any other case, it could be sustaining executioners and murderers and supporting the aggressor in spreading its propaganda.
Hope for the long run
Veronika Strus
I’m a third yr scholar of Cultural Research on the Ukrainian Catholic College. When the battle began, I stayed in my native metropolis of Lviv, labored and volunteered on numerous platforms.
Seven months after the start of the battle, Ukrainians are already used to it. Our life has acquired a brand new routine: alarms, journeys to the bomb shelter if potential, scrolling by way of the information feed, fixed hope “for the very best,” concern for family members and residential, worry and uncertainty in regards to the future have grow to be commonplace for us.
Even a yr in the past, I’d have by no means imagined that I must come to phrases with such realities. However February 24 was the day that modified the whole lot.
Sadly, the issues talked about above turned out to be the least miserable. The horrible information all of us obtained on July 29 took away my religion in worldwide regulation and easy human morality.
On the night time of July 28-29, highly effective explosions rang out within the city of Olenivka, which is within the quickly occupied territory of the Donetsk area. Explosions have been heard coming from the territory the place a detention centre was situated, which held Ukrainian prisoners of battle. Roughly 50 Ukrainian troopers died, and one other 70 have been significantly injured.
It’s onerous to imagine that such dreadful actions are happening in 2022, whereas the world is attempting to be humane and liberal. Actions with no logical rationalization. Actions that violate basic norms of human rights.
With the intention to one way or the other “attain out” to particular world organisations, individuals in numerous European and Ukrainian cities have proven as much as rallies with posters. “Russia is a terrorist state”, “Russia means crime”, “Get heroes dwelling”, “Save Azovstal defenders” – individuals have gathered in several cities with such slogans, hoping for a minimum of some solutions and harder selections from authorized organisations concerning Russia’s terrorist actions.
Even on this difficult and merciless interval, I sincerely imagine that Ukrainians will obtain justice and procure respectable assist from organisations, and that these liable for the loss of life of prisoners of battle in Olenivka must reply for it.
10 Could
Ideas from Rome
Kateryna Panasiuk
It’s so odd to really feel secure. So bizarre and unnatural to stroll round a peaceable metropolis filled with pleasure, laughter and vitality; to see grown males get enthusiastic about Italian pasta and feed their kids gelato. I’m right here solely as a result of somebody shut and necessary persuaded me to go overseas for a few weeks in order that I can research for my finals at college and relaxation for a short time. I respect this opportunity to see Rome, it’s certainly an amazing metropolis! So filled with historic glory, it’s elementary, robust, spacious. I don’t let this type of ideas cross my thoughts too usually however at instances I actually detest these round me. They’re having their Roman vacation simply to return dwelling safely and fortunately afterwards. They by no means fear that their dwelling may not be there once they come again.
I see Ukrainian refugees in all places, Ukrainian flags in all places, I hear my native language on the metro. We’re scattered internationally now, all gazing our telephones with trembling, worrying hearts. It’s Could eighth, I’m on the prepare. A message comes up on the display: explosions in Odesa. My coronary heart skips a beat – I really like that metropolis so very deeply for thus many causes. A while later I see images of demolished inns and homes proper by the shore. No navy infrastructure there, simply locations pricey to my coronary heart and to the hearts of my closest individuals. This summer season I swimmed there on an inflatable boat, we virtually sank ourselves however the enjoyable was price it. Now the shore is in ruins. That’s who I detest – each Russian.
8 Could
Life comes again to Kyiv
Vorobiov Mykyta
My title is Mykyta. This winter I studied and lived within the very coronary heart of Kyiv. Like many different residents, I awoke on the twenty fourth of February due to missile strikes and realised that my life would by no means be the identical. Battles for the capital have been ferocious, and there have been strikes on civil homes by the Russians within the first days. Due to the everlasting air raids and the hazard, I made a decision to maneuver to Western Ukraine. There hasn’t been a day that I haven’t missed Kyiv, its stunning streets, fancy cafes, and daring and eccentric individuals. I left my coronary heart there.
Photographs of the large and empty metropolis through the first month of battle broke my coronary heart. When the state of affairs grew to become higher on the finish of April, I made a decision to return to the town only for a couple of days, and it was price all of the dangers. It was a singular expertise to watch how an increasing number of individuals return to their properties daily, and Kyiv is changing into greener and livelier!
Day by day the Mayor of the town warns residents that they shouldn’t come again, however their want to see their dwelling, sit on the gorgeous embankment of Dnipro, drink espresso of their favorite place, and, after all, see the well-known chestnuts – the image of Kyiv – wins each time.
The town is flourishing for the primary time after the start of the full-scale battle, and never solely actually. I’ ve seen the need to stay in each avenue, on each face and place. Kyiv is beneath common missile strikes and desires humanitarian assist even now, however nobody can conquer the nation of people who find themselves able to return to hazard from the very best international locations of the entire world solely to see their dwelling and delightful native metropolis.
25 April
German hospitality
Khrystyna Dmytryshyn
“On February twenty fourth, my pal referred to as me at 6 a.m., saying the large battle had begun. Though I lived within the western area of Ukraine the place there was no bombing but, I felt large worry for my youngsters,” remembers Olya, a Ukrainian refugee staying in Germany.
“My husband returned dwelling from his work in Kharkiv the subsequent day, on February twenty fifth. We determined I needed to evacuate to Poland with the kids. Our prepare was full of individuals: I needed to keep on my toes all night time, and a few youngsters have been sleeping on the ground.
Polish individuals greeted us with heat and kindness. Nevertheless, I left for Germany quickly as a result of I can communicate German, and a household I as soon as labored for invited me to their dwelling. They even gave up certainly one of their rooms so we may collect humanitarian assist for Ukrainian refugees right here. My older son obtained right into a German faculty, and each academics and youngsters supported him drastically. The youthful one will go to kindergarten right here too. Everyone seems to be pleasant and type to us.
The native pastor requested me if I needed to present free German classes to the Ukrainian refugees. I agreed, after all. Now, I’m instructing a bunch of 15 individuals within the church.
I’ve at all times needed to maneuver to Germany with my household, however I’d have by no means thought it could occur beneath such circumstances. Now, I need to return dwelling. I need my youngsters to cease asking when they’ll see their father.”
23 April
Chilly Easter
Kateryna Panasiuk
It’s the day earlier than Easter right here in Ukraine, Saturday, twenty third of April. The climate looks like autumn, it’s chilly and wet, no solar at present. The cherry blossoms and little leaves on in any other case bare timber remind me that it’s truly spring. It snowed final week, however all snow melted earlier than reaching the bottom; we don’t get too emotional about snow in April anymore.
The chilly feels unnatural. The remainder of Europe appears to have a traditional heat spring, we keep within the chilly. Sudden and uncommon outbursts of heat and sunshine are days of happiness for me. I really feel prefer it’s the crawling bloody palms of Russia that carry this moist disgusting chilly; it’s each on the skin and on the within of each Ukrainian. It’s been 58 days of chilly. It nonetheless continues.
Tomorrow isn’t the primary time Ukrainians will have fun Easter in instances of battle. However for me it’s the primary one. I’m so very filled with anger: Russians have made going to church on this nice day harmful. They’ve threatened us. They’ve refused the proposal for an Easter armistice which Ukraine had made. Russia needs to kill. It doesn’t matter if it’s Easter, any group of Ukrainians is their goal; even when we simply collect to peacefully glorify God on this brilliant day.
In instances of chilly and battle, amidst the battle in opposition to pure evil, we have fun the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let Ukraine be as courageous as Him. Let the remainder of the world see that an evil shadow has come to its doorstep; the world should struggle it, not make peace with the satan.
Arm Ukraine.
Pray for Ukraine.
Use #ArmUkraineNow in your posts on social media, assist us win.
19 April
Typically it is onerous for me to imagine in humanity
Martha Belia
Typically it is onerous for me to imagine within the existence of humanity
That is virtually two months, as my nation is burning in a full-scale battle. It is a battle by which individuals struggle with beasts who have no idea any honour, conscience, or mercy.
The crimes of the German fascists returned, however now they’re carried out by Russians: compelled deportation, filtration camps, and even genocide. Sadly, the checklist of their crimes may be continued for a really very long time…
Typically it is onerous for me to imagine within the existence of humanity when for the sake of a sensational story, the media are attempting to painting the satan as an angel, particularly to point out the russians, who assist the totalitarian machine of murders, as victims. Nevertheless, justifying the satan you may lose your soul …
Within the vortex of such horrific occasions, it’s troublesome to imagine within the existence of humanity, however it exists and Ukrainians show it. The hearts of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are beating as one for a typical aim, for victory and freedom. Tens of millions as one are combating every on their very own entrance. Tens of millions as one have of their hearts one thing that by no means dies…
At moments when the center captures despondency, I point out them: individuals whose energy is tempered by hearth. Individuals whose freedom absorbs billions of different hearts and lights them down in unison.
Thanks to everybody whose coronary heart is thrashing with us. And whereas our hearts are beating, nothing can break us.
18 April
Oleksandra, volunteering earlier than learning
Khrystyna Dmytryshyn
“The primary day the full-fledged invasion started, I devoted my time to volunteering. I used to be serving to with the registration of refugees coming from the areas the place intensive bombing had begun. I attempted the whole lot: ranging from sorting humanitarian assist to serving to on the knowledge entrance. Learning isn’t my precedence anymore,” says Oleksandra, a political science scholar from Lviv.
“For the final months, I’ve been serving to on the Polish-Ukrainian border. We offer psychological assist to the refugees as a result of they’ve been by way of excessive stress. Some households have been compelled to drive their automobile for 4 days, and a few have misplaced their properties and even kids. Those that shouldn’t have family members or pals overseas really feel like they’ve nowhere to go. On the border, we provide them sizzling tea, lend an ear, share a bit of recommendation and attempt to guarantee them the whole lot shall be high-quality. One other process is communication with overseas volunteers. I used to be impressed by the variety of foreigners who’re keen to assist Ukraine.
My volunteer expertise is one thing I can be glad about throughout this battle as a result of I’m dwelling by way of distinctive feelings. I attempt to keep constructive and block my emotions as a result of I really feel engaged in a great trigger. I can’t be devoted to learning as I believe there isn’t a use for it. However there are not any methods to explain the feelings you are feeling when seeing a bit of youngster smiling or an grownup expressing immense gratitude simply by trying into your eyes.”
14 April
Combating Russia’s narrative
Hanna Shypilova
Ukrainians have been affected by wide-spread stereotypes for a few years. Largely these are associated to their alleged “family-like relations with Russia” : no variations between individuals from these international locations, and the identical language in use. All of those statements have historic roots and metaphysical meanings, on which the Russian authorities has been speculating for the reason that collapse of the USSR with a purpose to hold Ukraine near it. In 2022 it created the phantasm of the legitimacy of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as evidenced by Putin’s speech on February 21.
This type of propaganda is usually oriented in direction of individuals who stay in Russia or assist its media sources. A phenomenal image of the heroic Russian military and its mission of saving poor Ukrainians has been painted for years and performs an enormous position on this battle.
This inspired all involved Ukrainians to run an informational marketing campaign all through the world. A lot of them write articles (similar to us), share verified supplies, and do focused ads. It helps lots with bringing different imaginative and prescient to people who find themselves affected by Russian propaganda. These actions have grow to be an on a regular basis routine for volunteers, akin to brushing tooth or working to the shelter through the alarm.
There are lots of prospects to hitch this struggle. Even by sharing a put up in social media you may participate in a world marketing campaign. The twenty first century gave us an understanding of the truth that the Web has grow to be an enormous a part of our lives and can be utilized by completely different individuals for various goals.
13 April
The small Mariupol
Anna-Maria Valchuk
“I left with out something”, says Nadiia Ukrainets, faculty director of Makariv’s highschool. “Properly, it is nothing as a result of I am alive, and at present each Ukrainian thinks that probably the most unbelievable human worth is life.”
At the moment, Nadiia lives in Stryi, Lviv area. She evacuated from Makariv on March 7, when the varsity was attacked by a number of rocket launcher “Grad”
Nadiia says it’s powerful to speak about all this. In the present day is the twenty first century, and there may be nonetheless a nation like Russia that attacked us for no motive. We name Makariv a small Mariupol. The Russians destroyed all infrastructure – two colleges, 4 kindergartens, and all social amenities.
“My work in highschool was my secure house, a spot of emotional launch; I spent most of my time there with the kids. We had six trendy lessons with computer systems; kids may be taught 4 languages, and we always participated in worldwide exchanges. In our college, we educated unbiased and free Ukrainians. The Russians robbed us of the chance to present kids high quality schooling.
There’s one unlucky case that I am unable to hold quiet about both. The household was leaving by way of the ‘inexperienced hall’ and a fifth-grade boy from our lyceum was shot.
Whereas I used to be in Makariv and our college was undamaged, we used to organize meals within the faculty canteen for the Armed Forces. We’d make a number of dishes to select from, conventional Ukrainian meals in order that the troopers may really feel our love and gratitude. It was our responsibility.
We’re already working with academics to revive the academic course of. We need to return to Makariv to rebuild our metropolis as quickly as potential. We’re at present discussing these plans with one another, and with the federal government and traders.”
12 April
All Is Honest In Conflict
Martha Belia
“All is honest in battle” – the slogan of beasts and immorals.
It’s a widely known proverb, “All is honest in love and battle,” however is it so? What are the technique of this “all” and the way far can they go? So far as resorting to violence, blackmail, intimidation, and rape to realize love? These are additionally means, however they’re immoral and punishable by regulation.
What a couple of battle? For many years, if not centuries, the world neighborhood has been creating worldwide regulation that regulates and establishes the principles of warfare. Nevertheless, the aggressor state, Russia, is simply guided by the proverb talked about above…
In the present day is the forty eighth day of the battle. For the reason that starting of the invasion, Russia and Russians have dedicated an appalling variety of crimes. Our kids and grandchildren will surprise why the world has allowed this violent and lethal horde to create all these villains.
Not “all” the means are honest. Russian troops resort to immorality, meanness, and inhumaneness in an try to beat Ukraine. The blitzkrieg plan failed miserably within the first days and Russian troopers don’t have any benefit on the bottom, so it has been greater than a month since they turned the Ukrainian sky right into a supply of hazard. Ukrainian cities and villages are being bombed daily. Civilians and atypical individuals undergo probably the most.
Individuals die from shrapnel and wounds. Harmless individuals die of hunger or illness brought on by fasting, caught beneath the rubble or hidden in basements.
The Russians are threatening to make use of nuclear weapons and are prone to be prepared to make use of chemical weapons in the event that they haven’t already carried out so.
Not all means are honest in battle, and on this case it is now not a battle however a genocide, a complete destruction. The aggressor misplaced its human type and have become a beast, though even animals aren’t able to such cruelty.
Russian troopers have lengthy proved that they’re removed from human. They torture civilians, kill and rape kids with out even sparing infants. They even steal meals from animals within the zoos.
That is solely a small a part of the confirmed crimes of the Russian military in Ukraine. It’s onerous to imagine that an individual can do that, however the Russian navy has tens of hundreds of such beasts.
Due to this fact, All is NOT honest in love and battle. There should at all times be limits.
10 April
Individuals escape, pets don’t
Hanna Shypilova
The battle in Ukraine has many options of terrorism. Russian troops bomb civilian amenities and infrastructure. Hospitals, orphanages and colleges are more and more being focused. Animals in zoos are additionally at risk however happily, they’re being evacuated by volunteers from worldwide organisations.
The state of affairs is completely different with pets. Almost 11 million individuals have left their place of dwelling for the reason that starting of the battle. Once they go, they pack solely requirements and go away as quickly as potential, and infrequently have nowhere to go. The trains are overcrowded and buses normally don’t settle for animals. In such circumstances, civilians not often have the chance to select their canines or cats with them. They’re compelled to go away them at dwelling and hope for the very best.
Sofia’s grandma lives in a village. Her neighbours escaped to Poland and are almost certainly not coming again, even after the top of the battle. That they had a cat and determined to go away it there. It lived exterior for a few days and didn’t even go far-off from their home. Sofia says she fed it and since then it has been dwelling along with her household.
This cat was fortunate he met Sofia and located a brand new dwelling. Sadly, there are nonetheless lots of pets locked in residences or homes they usually need to struggle for his or her lives. Volunteers have began an info marketing campaign and are on the lookout for new house owners for such animals, however the issue continues to be international.
5 April
World, hear Ukraine’s anger
Martha Belia
When your coronary heart breaks with ache, you need to scream out loud. Now the hearts of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians are damaged and burning within the agony of the struggling of the individuals, the struggling of civilians who won’t ever see the daybreak, the struggling of youngsters who won’t ever develop up.
Typically I believe it will probably’t be worse and a damaged coronary heart cannot break once more, however it will probably. And it breaks down once more when the world refuses to listen to us.
The Ukrainian military lately liberated the city of Bucha. I can’t clarify why this city is so painful to recall. Horrible occasions happened there, however the world continues to tolerate the crimes of the Russians, of which every of them is responsible.
On Sunday, 3 April, rallies supporting Russia on this battle happened in Germany and Greece. The streets of the German capital have been filled with flags of a rustic whose residents torture Ukrainians, rape little women, and kill moms in entrance of their kids. The streets of Berlin have been once more filled with fascist flags… And why does the world tolerate this? Why is it not banned?
Is the worth of human life removed from the world?
World, hear the cry of an orphan whose mom was killed in entrance of his eyes!
World, hear the cries of people that have been innocently killed!
World, hear the cry of a mom carrying a baby killed by russian fascists!
World, hear the grief of a kid who won’t ever see his father once more!
World, hear the groans of people who find themselves tortured to loss of life!
Does not it matter if it does not have an effect on you personally?
I wish to add that we, Ukrainians, are very grateful for everybody’s assist. We see it and are extremely grateful. Nevertheless, individuals are nonetheless dying. Please assist, learn the reality, and don’t assist those that do and defend evil.
2 April
Direct from the Ukrainian-Polish border
Anna-Maria Valchuk
It seems like a secure place, with volunteers, medical assist, and virtually zero possibilities to listen to an air-raid siren.
I am with a big group of individuals heading to Berlin, primarily ladies and youngsters.
The primary cease – Shehyni – stands proper on the Ukrainian border crossing. The bus stops, and two volunteers come inside. One Ukrainian and the opposite one – from Kenya. They ask to sing for us and encourage us to clap. One in every of them sings a music glorifying Jesus and prays for all Ukrainians. We clap, they usually supply some sweets and small Bibles to take. I take some sweets and thank them for his or her job.
Second cease, Medyka – proper previous the Polish border. I see indicators indicating free meals supplied by the World Central Kitchen. 5 volunteers ask us to return eat some soup and supply us cups of tea. I take one and begin speaking to them about why they’re serving to and the principle motive they’re right here. A lady from Norway who got here to the Polish border to pour soup says, “I am unable to imagine this battle is occurring, and likewise I am unable to imagine all battle crimes, inhuman behaviour, and horrors; I simply needed to be right here to assist, like all individuals on this planet are serving to of their means. Additionally, I needed each Russian to concentrate on what is occurring.”
One other volunteer got here from the USA, and he or she is extra concise: “I’ve by no means been a member of World Central Kitchen, I simply got here right here and was able to assist in any means, so I joined them.”
The final cease is Berlin Central Station. I met on the bus Nyls, a volunteer. Collectively we go to the volunteering centre to have some water and await my subsequent prepare in a heat place. He is been volunteering in Berlin for the reason that battle started and says that there was no governmental assist or assist to start with, so individuals from across the city gathered cash and meals to assist and coordinate all by themselves.
1 April
It’s not a battle, it’s a genocide
Anna-Maria Valchuk
A Twitter thread by Sergej Sumlenny (@sumlenny)
– Russia deliberate to easy-take Kyiv inside 3 days, following by capitulation of Ukraine;
– Russian military models have been adopted by hundreds of riot law enforcement officials;
– Russian military bought 45,000 physique baggage and introduced cell crematories;
“I’m positive they deliberate mass executions of Ukrainians. In September 2021, Russia adopted a state technical customary for digging and sustaining mass graves amid wartime. It got here into drive on Feb 1st 2022.”
In accordance with consultants, the dimensions of mass graves foreseen by this new Russian technical customary, “are conceivable just for a nuclear battle or a pandemic”. Appears to be like like these graves have been additionally foreseen for Ukrainians, as Russians revealed their official article on “victory” on twenty sixth Feb.
The usual foresaw digging of remoted mass graves for as much as 1,000 lifeless our bodies every grave inside 3 days. A crew of 16 troopers was liable for each grave.
Summarising: it seems like Russia deliberate a quick victory over Ukrainian military, adopted by an entire occupation of Ukraine and a genocide, together with mass executions of Ukrainian civil society leaders, politicians, cultural leaders, clerics, and so on. The size of deliberate genocide was unseen since WWII.
31 March
No information from Mariupol
Kateryna Panasyuk
Nastia tells about her household trapped in sieged Mariupol. She’s fascinating – she smiles, regardless that it’s a nervous smile, and stays collected, regardless that it’s onerous to do the identical for me, an interviewer.
I’m from Mariupol. For 3 years now I’ve lived in Lviv, the place I studied at UCU. Earlier than going to Lviv I lived in Mariupol for 15 years; after ninth grade, I moved to Donetsk. After learning there for two years I needed to transfer to Kyiv after which to Lviv due to the battle. However now it discovered me once more.
Me and my complete household are from Mariupol, all of us. My dad and mom are divorced subsequently there may be mother’s household and pop’s household.
When my mom referred to as me on 24 February, when everyone was scared right here and didn’t know what to assume, I understood that it had already began there. She mentioned “that’s it” – everyone is in panic, all retailers are closing and also you merely don’t have any time to pack.
She referred to as as soon as daily. Final time she referred to as was on 2 March, the connection was very poor however I couldn’t even think about that it may disappear. She mentioned: “Nastya, they’re jamming the connection”, I didn’t even take that significantly. If solely I knew that it was the final time… I actually scold myself for this now.
My household hasn’t contacted me for a very long time, I used to be in despair, I couldn’t attain anybody… I simply didn’t know what was occurring there, have been they alive or not. I wrote to the Purple Cross; they responded that it’s too harmful in Mariupol now they usually can’t go there – I believed “oh nicely”.
Lately my dad obtained in contact, mentioned that they escaped and by that point have been in a village, Portivske, which could be very near Mariupol however it’s calmer there. I’ve a bit of sister, she is 10 years previous. Dad mentioned she’s obtained dangerous meals poisoning: there was no water, little meals – they obtained collectively on the porches and cooked it on fires. They drained water from the heating batteries and drank it for 2 weeks. The kid’s abdomen failed.
Dad mentioned “We received’t go. I don’t know… she may not make it.” Then I realised for the primary time how vital the state of affairs is. So that they didn’t go away Portivske. There was no connection for 3 days now. I don’t know something about them both.
29 March
“Youngsters”
Marta Belia
A small element can change the whole lot. Sadly, within the case of battle in my nation, such particulars damage.
I’m in western Ukraine, I’m within the rear, the place it’s fairly calm. Lately, whereas volunteering, I noticed a automobile, and after that, I may barely maintain again my tears. The very fact is that the inscription “kids” occupied 1 / 4 of the windshield. The licence plates weren’t native, from the East. These individuals are internally displaced individuals, and this inscription was a hope that the Russian occupiers would have mercy and wouldn’t shoot on the automobile full of kids. Russian troopers are ruthless and hearth at automobiles and bomb complete buildings containing a whole bunch of youngsters, as in Mariupol. Nevertheless, individuals at all times have hope.
I’m very glad that these individuals managed to get to a secure place. However this small inscription “kids,” which I’m positive hundreds of Ukrainians have on their vehicles, is an indication of the cruelty of the occupiers, who mercilessly shoot at everybody. This inscription is each hope and the best worry. I hope that they won’t assault and worry dropping probably the most valuable factor.
This little element on the windshield of the automobile means lots. It hurts as a result of it exhibits what these individuals went by way of, what worry they felt.
28 March
A welcome pneumonia
Khrystyna Dmytryshyn
“It’s horrible to say that I’m glad my grandson has pneumonia now. However I dare to as a result of he has it on a peaceable territory, the place we will rapidly name an ambulance and get assist. I don’t know what would have occurred if we have been at dwelling,” says Mariya, who has managed to flee from Kharkiv to a village within the west of Ukraine.
“I didn’t need to go away, however I had no selection after two missiles hit a 16 story-house the place my house was. I had one hour to dress and pack a very powerful issues, and I, along with my son, left the whole lot behind. We’ve a home within the countryside, and my husband determined to remain there. In per week, our son had joined him as a result of a real son received’t go away the daddy, and the true father will shield the son and the house.
My daughter and grandson are lastly with me in a comparatively secure space. Since my grandson has a weak immune system and has had pneumonia a couple of instances, I used to be scared he would get sick in Kharkiv. There, we might not have the ability to purchase wanted drugs, to move him to the hospital due to the dearth of gas, and since the ambulances are taking good care of many wounded in battle. I thank God we aren’t there anymore. However I’ve no doubts we’ll win quickly and return dwelling, and Russians can pay for the whole lot.”
25 March
My era
Kateryna Panasyuk
What’s going to occur after the battle? Ukrainians don’t ask this query. We ask: what is going to occur after we win? It makes such a bit of distinction verbally but such an necessary message stands behind these phrases. Ukrainians don’t quit or give in, cowardice isn’t an choice right here. Oh I do get a rush once I say this, you already know. It’s true.
Personally I’d say there aren’t multiple or two issues I really like greater than my homeland; this land, even this soil itself, is actually the dearest to me. A colleague of mine, Alex from Kharkiv, lately mentioned “What’s going to I say when my kids, nephews, grandchildren ask in regards to the battle and my participation in it? Will I say that it was fascinating, however one way or the other it handed by me as a result of I spent most of it listening to lectures through Zoom and dealing on deadlines? Severely?!”, it was a considered his within the context of our dialog about learning throughout battle.
It stunned me, I by no means thought everybody has these ideas, however it seems they do. I favor to continue to learn, however the considered kids… Each time I really feel like giving up, I keep in mind my era have to be the final one to undergo from Russian imperialism. Our kids won’t, their kids received’t both. They are going to stay on this land freely and they’ll adore it so very deeply.
24 March
Daria’s grandpa and the information
Hanna Shypilova
Daria is nineteen years previous. In 2014 she and her dad and mom have been compelled to go away their dwelling metropolis, Luhansk, due to the Russian invasion. Now they stay in Kyiv, whereas her grandparents moved to Russia. This specific day has separated them not solely territorially but in addition mentally and politically.
On 24 February the battle got here into Daria’s life for the second time. Her grandpa referred to as them within the morning, questioning how they have been.
“Later, we heard a loud explosion subsequent to us. There have been already some movies of it on the Web and at the moment Kharkiv was already beeing closely bombed. We despatched the video and picture to my grandfather, to which he replied that it was all pretend. He spoke with all these phrases which can be imposed on Russian tv: our President Zelenskyy is a drug addict, we’re bombing ourselves. All the remainder is nonsense for him.”
Daria’s grandpa at all times supported Russia. He even tried to pursue her to review in Rostov, as a result of life with “Ukrainian neo-Nazis” is unacceptable to him.
“He doesn’t miss a single information launch, and there are morning, afternoon and night ones. We’ve not been capable of convey the reality and actuality to him since 2014, and now the whole lot has solely gotten worse. I don’t need to put up with this, however he grew to become an actual sufferer of propaganda. I nonetheless respect and love my grandparents, as a result of they’re my household. However whereas he’s watching Russian propaganda, he helps the whole lot that’s occurring now in my nation, the place kids, ladies and different civilians are being killed.”
23 March
A Story from Mariupol
Hanna Shypilova
“There was no entry to ingesting water within the metropolis for greater than per week, so we began going to the river to gather water. Someday after we went to the river and the shelling started. We have been fortunate, however a shell killed three individuals who have been increased up the hill. On the best way again dwelling, we noticed many individuals lined with sheets. They have been killed by shells”.
That’s the story of a 30 year-old Julia, revealed by Hromadske. Julia has lived in Mariupol all her life. On 24 February, when Russia launched a full-scale battle, the primary shells have been dropped on her metropolis. Since 2 March, the native individuals’s process was to outlive with out connection and entry to water, fuel, and electrical energy. Solely on the twentieth day of the battle, a possibility to go away Mariupol appeared.
“I went with my boyfriend and his sister. We cooperated with a number of different younger {couples} with kids. We heard that the street is harmful, a part of it’s mined, however it might be seen. There was no considered whether or not it was scary to go or not: daily we went to mattress and didn’t know if we might get up. When you already know that there are individuals who have left, you’ve got hope.”
Now Julia is in Zaporizhzhya, however greater than 300,000 individuals in Mariupol nonetheless want meals, water, and drugs, whereas the Russian military is obstructing entry to humanitarian assist.
21 March
Bohdan, volunteering on the Ukraine-Polish border
Khrystyna Dmytryshyn
“When Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I devoted my time to serving to Ukrainian refugees on the Krakovets checkpoint. There, greater than 2,000 individuals cross the border every day. The toughest work is when it’s chilly exterior. You need to inform all of the individuals with young children in line that they will go to the tent the place it’s heat, they will drink tea and eat nicely”, Bohdan, a younger Ukrainian volunteer, advised me.
“As volunteers, we at all times carry young children in our arms to assist the dad and mom. These scared youngsters are shaking as a result of they’re freezing. At night time, we put them to sleep with their dad and mom at our volunteer base, the place they could heat up. We additionally give refugees garments and assist to search out a physician. There are various Polish medical doctors whom we assist with translation”, Bohdan added.
“I keep in mind very nicely one man leaving the nation together with his two little daughters. It was chilly exterior, however he didn’t need to enter our heat tent. Nevertheless, he agreed afterward. He talked quietly and saved a stone face. The person was working away from Kharkiv as a result of the Russian military had destroyed the house the place he lived. His spouse died of most cancers a couple of years in the past, and he needed to show this reality with a doc to have the ability to cross the border. I believe he was ashamed to go away, however he needed to; he’s the one dad or mum to his daughters. I believe he’ll come again after we win.”
20 March
Youngsters of battle
Marta Belia
Every so often, the native volunteer centre, the place I’m going to assist, organises actions for kids. Normally, contributors are kids from our metropolis, however there have been many displaced kids this time. Youngsters who have been compelled to go away the whole lot due to the Russian aggression. They’re the identical kids, they’re simply as passionate about drawing and working, however you may see that the eyes of those youngsters have already seen the battle and felt its penalties.
The battle affected them personally. They’re very cheerful and talkative, however there’s a sense of maturity of their phrases. These kids calmly and thoughtfully talk about family members: fathers, grannies, siblings – who remained within the sizzling spots, who refused to go away.
They describe how they heard the explosions and the way they left their cities. I may barely maintain again the tears as I listened to them, however they continued the story calmly. They’re nonetheless so small, however lots has occurred to them, they usually endured it bravely.
I’ve to confess, I cry and stress due to much less horrible issues: the air alarm in the course of the night time, horrible information I learn; however these kids are calm and balanced, though they’ve suffered way more.
That is why these kids impressed me. I am sorry that the battle compelled them to develop up too quickly, however I am shocked by their resilience. And I really need everybody who took their childhood away from them to be punished.
18 March
Learning in instances of battle
Kateryna Panasyuk
It’s extremely troublesome to review now, however I’m glad to do it. It occurs that my household and I are blessed with comparatively quiet skies and the heat of our own residence – for now. Each night time my metropolis, Lviv, wakes as much as the sound of sirens. Each night time I get yanked out of the heat of my mattress by a horrible rush of adrenalin, change garments, placed on the warmest socks, seize my backpack and run down 8 flooring to spend as much as 4 hours in a chilly bomb shelter. No matter all this, my thoughts continues to be thirsty for information. It’s at all times been, however now it’s fueled with anger. There isn’t a means I’ll let Russia cease me from studying and studying. There isn’t a means I’ll let anybody make me ineffective or much less clever. I’m not too robust bodily, I can’t shoot nicely and I’m no physician. However when the time comes, I need each Russian to pay the worth for what they did and each Ukrainian to stay in a rustic they deserve. Who else will do it if we cease studying now?
Olexandra Besarab
I perceive very nicely why my college is resuming research, it’s actually vital
However personally, my story – I cannot do it. I am unable to research, in no way. I really feel like I am losing my time simply because the knowledge doesn’t attain my mind, as a result of my head is stuffed with different issues.
Nikita Vorobiov
The format which is now practiced in my college works nicely for me. All lectures are being recorded, so I can at all times watch a recording when it’s handy. For instance, a scholar can work through the day and research within the night. There’s additionally a giant reduction concerning the deadlines: some assignments have been postponed or taken down utterly. There’s not an excessive amount of stress on college students now. I stay overseas now, no working all the way down to the bomb shelter for me now. However we’ll see the way it goes subsequent week once I come again to Ukraine. For now I believe we merely can’t afford to cease learning in these circumstances.
Roman Rozhankivskyi
I really feel this bottomless fatigue. My thoughts finds consolation in involuntary deafness. I hear sounds, however I do not catch their essence. It is as if I am falling asleep to the voice of the lecturer. And the noise of the Zoom name drives me loopy. I haven’t got the energy to consider homework or the curriculum. It’s troublesome for me to develop now. Typically I ignore individuals due to oversaturation with stimuli. And generally I expertise a phantom air alarm. It feels prefer it’s about to start. I hear high-frequency sounds and it turns into so scary.
16 March
Nikol, searching for for assist in Mykolaiv
Khrystyna Dmytryshyn
In the present day, I would wish to share this excerpt I translated from a narrative I’ve learn on Hromadske, an unbiased information outlet. It was written by Ksiusha Savoskina, and I imagine it tells lots in regards to the state of affairs in Mykolaiv:
“Hello, my title is Nikol, and I would like some heat clothes,” mentioned a woman coming to our volunteer heart in a small city within the west of Ukraine. We began opening packing containers for her, displaying every kind of sweaters and coats, however she ignored that. Nikol picked a blanket for herself and one for her 2-year-old sibling. “Are you able to think about {that a} small a part of a ballistic missile fell proper by my high-rise in Kyiv?”, she mentioned with worry and pleasure on the similar time.
After we hardly gave Nikol two packages of heat garments, her mother got here to the room. Once we introduced her hair care field, the lady’s palms began shaking terribly, and he or she cried. “I didn’t wash my hair for nearly two weeks. I can’t even keep in mind what shampoo I used to purchase. I’m afraid to take a shower and go away my kids alone. I hear bombing always in my ears. Did you hear it tonight?”
It was the second day the household was spending in Mykolaiv, a small city within the Lviv area. That night time, the Russian missiles bombed the Lviv area for the primary time. Thus far, I’ve concluded that seeing refugees is probably the most sophisticated and emotionally painful factor you face throughout your life. Particularly when these refugees are working away from the battle that is happening in your nation, and you can not even guarantee them that the nation’s area they got here to is a secure place.”
15 March
Two testimonies
Anna Valchuk
In the present day, I need to share the testimonies of two women I met earlier in Lviv:
Nadila, 21: “I’ve began volunteering on the Lviv railway station for the reason that early days of the battle. At the start of that have, I used to be extremely offended by any reproach, raised voices, pushing, or cursing. First days on the railway station have been chaotic: each in individuals’s heads and on the platforms. That mess exacerbated all the emotions. I burst into tears many instances for numerous causes: for somebody is leaving and somebody has to remain; for there are these unexpectedly speeding ahead, and others humbly ready for hours when their flip comes; some are sincerely grateful, and a few assume what’s given to them isn’t sufficient.
What struck me most was the quick dialogue with a woman my age who was leaving on the fifth day of the battle.
She met me, shook my hand, and mentioned with a pleasant smile, ‘Thanks for what you’re doing.’
I cried.”
Diana, 19: “After my college grew to become a shelter for college kids’ households from cities the place hostilities happen, it was my first time I obtained acquainted with many refugees. Apart from, many pals volunteer at numerous spots, together with refugee facilities.
A lot of them be a part of the volunteer neighborhood on the college – and that’s nice!
In any case, it permits going the restrict, even after resuming research and work. Individuals are primarily comparatively calm, wise, and glad to speak. Youngsters are primarily cheerful and lively.
For my part, Lviv welcomes individuals from different areas with nice dignity. Residents open many internet hosting locations on their initiative, even in gyms, studios, and so on. And many individuals I do know personally present shelter of their properties. Those that have a automobile usually assist individuals get from the station to the border.”
14 March
Sorry for not sending new materials yesterday. I’ll ship extra at present. Our area had an air strike for the primary time. We’re okay, however it’s considerably troublesome to maintain my schedule going with 4+ hours in a bomb shelter. Sorry for the delay as soon as once more. – Kateryna
10 March
Maternity Hospitals and Infirmaries as Navy Targets
Alina Voronina,Vira Saliieva
Whereas Russians are claiming they solely harm navy targets, an increasing number of Ukrainian civilians, together with ladies and youngsters, undergo from the bombings daily. The maternity hospital and the kids’s hospital in Mariupol have been bombed by the Russian navy forces on 9 March.
At the least 3 individuals died, with 1 youngster being amongst them. There are 17 injured individuals, and the obstruction removing nonetheless continues.
“How did [those hospitals] threaten the Russian Federation? Had been there Bandera kids there? Pregnant ladies have been going to shoot at Rostov? Did somebody within the maternity hospital humiliate Russian-speakers? What was that? Denazification of the hospital? That is already past atrocity.” mentioned president Volodymyr Zelensky in his speech. He additionally claimed that the air bomb thrown on the maternity hospital is the foremost act of the genocide of the Ukrainians.
Harmless individuals all around the nation similar to us, easy college students, are past terrified with the ruthlessness of the assault. “They crossed all of the borders a very long time in the past, and I believed that none of their actions may impress me anymore. I used to be incorrect”, says Oleksandra Besarab. She is a second-year politics scholar at Ukraine Catholic College (UCU), and Mariupol takes up a particular spot in her coronary heart; she took half within the ULA course there. “A maternity hospital. I am unable to even get my head round it. Once I was scrolling by way of images and movies, I felt nothing however vacancy and ache that could not be expressed by way of phrases. We can’t forgive. For each youngster who wasn’t given an opportunity to be born and discover life. For each mom who misplaced probably the most valuable present she had. Nothing on the Earth may justify this.”
7 March 2022
We Are Ukraine, and We Love Freedom: A Sturdy No to Evacuation to Russia
Hanna Shypilova, Khrystyna Dmytryshyn
The third spherical of negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian representatives happened on March 7. The principle subject to debate was organizing humanitarian corridors to evacuateUkrainian residents to safer areas of Ukraine. Beforehand, the Russian military was blocking the Ukrainian authorities’s makes an attempt to avoid wasting their civilian individuals by opening hearth on buses, mining roads, and blasting f railway tracks. In the present day, for the primary time in many years, a baby had died of dehydration beneath the ruined home the place she as soon as fortunately lived. It occurred within the metropolis of Mariupol, which has had no water, energy, or heating provides for days.
The urgency of this problem was added by a proposal obtained through an e-mail at 00.30 from the Russian authorities. Iryna Vereschuk has said in her briefing that the Russian military is able to cease gathering hearth, solely in case of evacuation of civilians to the territory of Russia and Belarus. The Minister has pressured the inadmissibility of this proposal and the potential hazard to residents evacuated by invaders. What’s extra, the Ukrainians themselves are able to face open hearth whereas displaying their loyalty to Ukraine. In Kherson, for instance, the individuals have been gathering on protests with Ukrainian flags and refusing to just accept humanitarian assist from the Russians whereas going through the open hearth.
Due to this fact, nor the Ukrainian authorities nor residents will everaccept the proposal of civilians’ evacuation to the territory of Russia. As a substitute, we’ll insist on making certain safety for all residents in sizzling spots.
25 February
The invasion begins
Varvara Shevtsova
February twenty fourth, Kyiv. My dad and mom woke as much as the sounds of explosions, taking pictures, and airplanes. We couldn’t imagine it.
“Daughter, get up, please,” once I heard my Mother saying this, my coronary heart dropped.
“Conflict? Already?”
Subsequent 14 hours we have been misplaced, anxious and terrified. We needed to say goodbye to one another, as a result of my dad had chosen to struggle.
We spent the subsequent night time in a shelter –– the Metro station Heroiv Dnipra, defending us from shelling and bombing. We positioned our blanket and a yoga mat on the ground, chatted to our neighbors, and ate some crackers. The trains’ motion was stopped, the aged and other people with small youngsters have been invited to heat wagons. We tried to sleep on the chilly platform in our winter garments, resting our heads on backpacks. Youngsters have been crying.
Sleep wasn’t lasting, not due to the circumstances, a 2.5-hour queue, or chatting neighbors, however due to the frequent feeling of hazard and being uncertain whether or not it is actuality or a nightmare. Concern and panic aroused, then it modified to trembling palms, poor urge for food, nausea, adopted by the uncertainty, worry of dropping your family members, want to outlive, feeling of dropping management. I want nobody however putin had such a dreadful expertise.
I really like my nation. Right here individuals deliberate their lives, created households, raised kids… Now the whole lot is at risk since Putin’s ambitions have been sufficiently big to begin a battle. Youngsters in kindergartens aren’t nazis. Houses aren’t navy objects. However Putin’s troops do not care. I want I didn’t need to really feel safer in a shelter than in my very own mattress, the place I hear noises of the battle. I am unable to forgive Russia for doing this to us.
