When Russia invaded Ukraine, I felt it keenly for reasons I go into below. I wanted to help, I’ve made some donations, but mostly I feel overwhelmingly impotent against gargantuan geopolitical forces. I am certain this feeling is sweeping Europe. I contacted my Ukrainian friend Natalia, because the one thing I can do is amplify the voice of somebody actually living with the reality of the Russian invasion. I’m pleased to say that she is a) reasonably safe and well, and b) wished to share a message.
I’ve edited some parts for clarity (using [brackets], with her consent) but otherwise tried to leave her words alone. Here is a map showing the locations she speaks about.
To all people Robin knows
My name is Natalia, I’m Ukrainian, I’m in the country and I have something to be told. I know it’s hard to think about these horrible things and to realize it’s happening now. I totally understand but at the same time I ask you not to close your eyes now.
Have a look at the photos from Irpin.
It’s a place near Kyiv – a lovely town where I used to spend time with my friends. My favorite place. We were recording poems in the Writers’ Park recently. See how it looks like now. Why? Can anybody explain?
Look at the video reports from Mariupol. My classmate with her family lives there. People cannot even count the dead bodies now – of civilians, killed by damned Russian rockets, and it is the 21st century! Go fuck yourself, putin’s servants!
Watch what is happening to the cities as Chernihiv and Kharkiv. My friend sitting right here near me is from Chernihiv, a beautiful ancient city. The rockets destroy everything. Her parents live in a basement. I’ve been to Chernihiv recently on my way to this friend in the countryside. I had a big bag with painting materials and bought a better bag there. I remember drinking coffee and walking in the market. Such a lovely city, and I can say no one was interested in Russia there.
Ukraine as a state was not ideal. But I can tell you honestly and without any doubt, that [nobody] was interested in “russian help”. No one I ever knew.
I see how people near me “meet” the occupants. They stay all as one, old people near children, all men and women do anything to help immediately. All are ready to defend themselves. If anyone asks for anything, they immediately get it. And it’s a little village, not any big city with forces and much weapon. And it’s not the west of the country!
Did you see what’s happening in Kherson? This summer I’ve been to the region, we have been on the seaside. Beautiful place, beautiful people. We were buying tomatoes and peaches and playing with local kittens. I can’t [believe now that] we were so happy. I can’t believe the russian soldiers can find any support there. [These] people (=antipeople) thought everyone is waiting for their “help” but look what happened when they managed to come to the city Kherson. Just see the video. No words needed. Russians were shooting in the air, but people stayed.
Have you seen how civilians came in front the [equipment and weapons] in Enerdogar to stop them? My heart is exploding by love to them and respect. Unfortunately, they started shooting in civilians.
Believe me we are not interested in these totalitarian values which the enemy wants to impose. It’s psycho. It’s a clinic for mentally ill. And we don’t need them here.
It’s not about politics, it’s about humanity, freedom, and morality. And safety of Europe.
And we will stand. Please support us in the military area, if you can’t, close your business with Russia. They must feel it. No time for tolerance or counting money. Other way it can cost more.
Thank you! Together we are stronger! Life is unstoppable.
Places described above:
The Writers’ Park, recently, Irpin
Irpin now:
Kherson after invasion:
Video of Kherson after the invasion (Facebook link)
Enerdogar civilians in front of the armed forces:
What you can do:
– supportukrainenow.org
– RazomForUkraine
– How-to-support-Ukraine
Financial support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces:
– https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-spetsrahunok-dlya-zboru-koshtiv-na-potrebi-armiyi
Post-amble
I speak Esperanto. Without going into too much detail about it, Esperanto is a constructed language, a hobby, a worldview, and something that encourages speakers and enthusiasts from all over the world to meet up. When I was learning, I discovered all these things, it became more than a curiosity to me, and I got sucked in. I attended several congresses, one of which, in 2011, was in Kyiv, Ukraine.
I found my time there to be an incredibly valuable, eye-opening experience in ways that merit their own blog, but that’s not what this is about. The Congress took place in a hostel where most of the participants (including me) were staying. There I met Natalia. As a local, she had been involved in running some of the planned classes and excursions, and from her I learnt exactly one sentence of Ukrainian (dayte, budʹ laska ukrayini vodka), and was introduced to Kvass (which I’ve been scouring local Polish shops for and telling local brewers about ever since). We were both involved in a play that was going on, and we had a friendship for the few days I was there. Apart from one or two messages, I’ve not really spoken to her since. As I said above, the Congress provided me with experiences I could probably not have found anywhere else, in a beautiful country, and has been a fond and formative memory for me. I’m glad to be back in touch with her, but sad that it is in these circumstances.
Maybe it shouldn’t be this way, but you always care more about places you have some connection to. Please forward Natalia’s message to help forge more of a connection to the people of Ukraine.
Fool Rushing In 