Glory to Ukraine
If we truly love the principles of freedom, we must continue supporting Ukraine until Russia’s genocidal war is defeated.
Trigger warning: The first section of this article discusses violence and sexual abuse.
Around a year ago (Sep. 2021), I became aware of Russia’s intentions to invade and wipe the nation, people and culture — even the very idea — of Ukraine off the earth. Like in January 2020 with COVID-19, I hoped and wished it would not come to pass; and while I could not see the future, I knew a genocidal war was most likely.
The thought of anyone wanting to do any harm a single soul is something I, try as I have, just can’t fathom. And even this level makes me so sad. And so, since 24 February 2022, my heart has broken almost daily. The choices of many Russian people are documented and you can research them, but I want to call out two things that are particularly horrifying:
- Kidnapping hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children and “adopting” them into Russian families
- Torturing and raping young children
These are evil and dark choices, and they cannot be tolerated in any way. And these two examples are but a sample of the suffering many Russians have chosen to inflict on others. And they’ve made my heart break and weep with sorrow.
[End of triggering content]
At the same time, there has also been much light from Ukraine.
The light, goodness, magnanimity and bravery of Ukrainians throughout Russia’s genocidal war has been inspiring — especially in the face of those who want to destroy them. How they treat Russian POWs, their love and care for each other, their resilience and many other things (too many to list) are all wonderful, inspiring things. I have seen almost daily Ukrainians kind and compassionate acts, and my soul has rejoiced.
Additionally, their light has also been much more meaningful to me as our world seen a drastic increase these past several years in suffering — suffering caused by far too many people’s choices to love fear, anger and hate more than other people. Seeing so many people stand up to the darkness in truly noble ways has been like drinking water in a desert to my soul.
Their examples have inspired me to be better, kinder and braver. It’s been a privilege to help in the ways I’ve been able to, and I’m eternally grateful to the nation & people of Ukraine.
Thanks and glory to the people & nation of Ukraine, the Army of Ukraine and all who support them.
Ukraine will defeat Russia, no matter the threats and suffering Russia may cause until their defeat. The light from the Ukrainian people’s choices will continue to inspire others — now and for generations to come.
But the suffering of Russia’s genocide will be lessened if we give Ukraine all the weapons and support they need . To all world leaders and those with power: Do more than you’ve done so far. Do not fear a pathetic bully’s tantrum — do not love your power and wealth more than other humans. Instead, put your faith and strength into those who defend against such darkness and evils. Especially when they’re dying and suffering not just for their nation’s rights, but the rights of all humankind.
“It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were. And sometimes you didn’t want to know the end. Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad had happened? But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something, even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t. They kept going, because they were holding on to something. That there is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.” — Sam Gemgee in The Lord of the Rings
Слава Україні!
To learn more about Ukraine, follow Andrea Chalupa: https://twitter.com/AndreaChalupa
