In Ukraine, our mornings turned into a nerve-wracking movie scene without a pause button. We heard distant explosions, likely an attack near Borispol International Airport in the capital, Kiev. More disturbing news followed suite. The Russians had invaded Ukraine from its Eastern and Northern borders, even annexing parts of the Crimea. Intense fighting occurred in Eastern Ukraine, targeting strategic military infrastructure in populous cities.
Chilling headlines came from Charkow in Eastern Ukraine, where a residential building sustained damage due to an airstrike. Explosions caused by artillery strikes also affected the city of Uman, located in Central Ukraine, far from the border and close to our home in Kiev. The Ukrainian authorities, having declared martial law, prepared for evacuating civilians from the most dangerous areas.
Even Kiev isn't immune to this new reality. Many people left the city early in the morning, causing significant traffic jams south and west of the city. Fearing gridlock, my family decided to stay, monitoring the traffic situation on TV. Conveniently, Kiev's infrastructure – electricity, the internet, mobile networks, and the metro – remained functional.
Due to traffic congestion, leaving Kiev has become quite challenging. However, we feel prepared. Packed essentials, including documents, laptops, and supplies for our beloved cats, were ready, in case we needed to evacuate and seek shelter at a fallout shelter.
With online schooling in place in Kiev (though the lesson atmosphere wasn't ideal), my son surprisingly had an extra day off. Unaware of the reason, he seemed unfazed – especially considering that unexpected school closures during lockdown had become the norm. He grabbed a chocolate sandwich and switched to his favorite superhero, Iron Man, on TV, while we watched news and war updates on our phones.
My adult adaptation of Iron Man is the Ukrainian army. Bravely standing between the civilized world and the advancing Russian army, ready to defend its citizens and fight for Ukraine's survival. It felt like a Hollywood film, but this time, there's no 'off' button.
In the last few weeks, I've received numerous invitations from close friends residing across the world – the USA, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Poland, Slovenia, and Hungary. Offering a warm embrace and opening their homes to us, it's reassuring to know we have this safety net. Yet, our main focus is on building one for Ukraine itself.
This means asking for international help – diplomatic solutions, sanctions, and increased pressure on Russia – to create a pause in their aggressive actions. Russia has demonstrated being a threat to peaceful neighbors; its move against Ukraine is a clear and present danger to the rest of the world. Ukraine urgently requires international support through effective and impactful measures.
In Ukraine's history, we have faced numerous struggles against powerful and aggressive empires. The Hunger of 1932–33, the Gulag, and the attempts to suppress our intellectual elite – Ukraine has resisted time and time again.
The Ukrainian government's independence in 1991 has long frustrated Russian leaders, especially Putin, who envisioned the restoration of the Soviet Union. In doing so, Russia has caused chaos: election meddling, political assassinations, the annexation of Crimea, and attacks in the Donbass region. Yet, despite their efforts, Ukraine has persisted.
