I have found it hard to write this week. I don't know what to say about the war in Ukraine. It is such a terrible evil and I worry for the courageous Ukrainian people. I want to write something useful, but I have no words. Writing about anything other than the war seems crazy.
I almost wrote, "the Ukraine" above. It feels more natural to me, but that's not the name of the country. Calling it "the" Ukraine harkens back to the Soviet era, and is "incorrect both grammatically and politically," according to the Ukrainian embasssy in London. It is actually correct to call it "Ukraine" with no "the" just like we don't say "the Canada" or "the China" or, for that matter, "the Russia."
Also, many of us pronounce Ukrainian place names in the Russian way. I learned that this week. For example, I read that the pronunciation of "Kyiv" is closer to "Keev" than "Key-ev." The latter is the Russian pronunciation. One small way we can show support is with how we use language.
My country, Canada, has the largest Ukrainian population outside of Ukraine. In fact, my province of Alberta has the highest Ukrainian population in Canada. Two of my father’s former PhD students (now Professors themselves here) came from Ukraine. He is still friends with both of them in that they speak on the phone at least once a week.
I read the Hiveans who are in Ukraine discussing their situation. It makes it real for me in a way that no war has been before. This is similar to when reading Hiveans during Typhoon Odette made that more real to me than previous disasters. I have always cared about these things, but Hive humanizes and personalizes the political or the ecological. It makes it impossible for us to think it is happening to "those people" who might be different from us.
Instead, we read each other's words and see that we are all so much more similar than we are different. Why didn't we all know this already?
When I used to watch Star Trek, the idea that the entire planet might one day be united in peace seemed ridiculous and far-fetched. Now, I wonder if, as technology develops, we might see this become a reality. As there are more ways for people to share their everyday lives and to get to know one another, it will be easier for people to find their way to peace.
I think it is a big mistake to villainize Russians. Many (most) Russian soldiers were, from what I read, told that they were going to be engaging in training or "military operations." Now they are ordered into war. It must be very frightening.
I feel sad for the Russians who will suffer under sanctions (although something has/had to be done to stop Putin.) I have seen photos of Russians protesting and being arrested. I have read articles from Russians who are horrified by the war. I have read articles from Russians who actually believe Putin's lies. I don't know how anyone could because some of what he says is insane -- it literally cannot be true. Some of what he says might have partial truth, but there is no evidence, and it seems paranoid more than anything.
Ordinary Russian citizens are in a bad situation. How can you fight a tyrant? Even publicly stating that you disagree might put yourself or your family in danger.
As for the Russian soldiers, what will they do? I think they will get very cold, hungry, and things will be very bad for many of them before this is over. That might seem okay to some people, but they did not choose this war. They are trapped in a terrible situation too.
I read an article about a Russian soldier who surrendered. They were giving him tea and letting him call his mother. He looked so young. It made me sad.
In the unlikely event that they take over Ukraine, they lack the strength to hold it. However, I wish there was some way that more pressure could be applied to Putin so that he would have the sense to pull out before there is more suffering on both sides.
I was horrified to read that, in violation of international agreements, Russia bombed the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. They have now taken over the plant although Ukrainians are still operating it. From what I read, the bombing caused a fire that killed several people.
I feel bad for those operating the plant. Regardless of whether they have Russian guns on them, they cannot abandon their posts because the Russian soldiers lack the expertise to run the plant safely. To allow it to be run by people who don't know the safety protocols could endanger every living being for miles. So, even if the Russian soldiers said, "You can go home if you like," which is unlikely, these employees of the plant would have to do their jobs.
It's very scary that Putin is willing to take insane risks such as shelling a nuclear facility. I think it was intentional to give the world the impression that maybe he would use a nuclear weapon.
Would he? Putin is arrogant, but is he actually insane and suicidal? I think he has already overplayed his hand.
I hope this war ends soon. I will write about other things, but my thoughts are with the people of Ukraine. When I go through my day and I have difficulties with pain, with depression, I think of the bravery of the Ukrainian people, and it helps give me strength. I realize I am lucky to be in a country where I am safe and warm in winter. I realize it is another privilege I have taken for granted.
My intention today was to write an article about an epiphany that I had, but this one came out instead. I am glad. I wanted to say these things.
Many Canadians, some of Ukrainian descent, are flying to Ukraine and fighting with them.
Their actions are not encouraged by our government, but are not illegal either. It makes me proud to be a Canadian. Their actions. I wish our government would do more to help. It is helping some, but I think we should do more.
In my opinion, Putin is not just a threat to Ukraine. Therefore, beyond humanitarian reasons, it seems reasonable to fight. I don't think Putin would stop after occupying the Ukraine. I believe he has more ideas.
I hope the Ukrainian people stay strong in spirit. This must be terrifying, for those who are refugees and for those fighting.
History has shown us time and time again that evil loses. Tyrants fall. The process, however, may be painful, and I hope it all ends soon with the least bloodshed possible and, of course, Ukraine victorious 🇺🇦.
Much Love,
Harlow
