Voice of Ukraine

From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 315):

O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
Psalm 15:1‭-‬2

We often say that this war is a war of worldviews. Perhaps it explains why some news reports are so shocking to us – they don’t fit into our worldview and value system.

The defenders of Bakhmut, even the experienced ones, are shocked by the mounts of Russian bodies left in the open field. Their fellow soldiers crawl over them or even use them as a shield when attacking Ukrainian positions.

From the intercepted conversations, we know that Russian soldiers are often mistreated and abused by those higher in rank. A couple of days ago, there was a story of a mobilized Russian conscript who committed suicide after being robbed and violated by Kadyrov servicemen.

It is heartbreaking to see this happening to a nation, and it’s even more heartbreaking to know that these are the consequences of their corrupt choices and compromising decisions generation after generation. Someone said it’s essential for Ukraine to win as it would give Russia a chance to rethink its values and undergo cleansing and much-needed change. We pray for it. We pray for Ukraine’s victory to bring a lasting change for the better, not just in Ukraine but also in Russia and other nations.

On a brighter note, Kyiv was honorarily recognized in the 2023 World’s Best Cities ranking by Resonance Consultancy, a specialist in the destination-branding industry. Ukraine’s capital was described as the urban beacon of courage and resilience, leading a defiant nation against a murderous aggressor. It is inspiring to see these gestures of support and care.

Maia Tulchynska wrote on Facebook:
“Kyiv is a city that may have no electricity but always has pistachio latte because of power generators busily buzzing in front of coffee shops.
Kyiv is a city that may have no electricity and water supply for days, but its residents are clean and well-groomed because they leave bedroom lights on at night to wake up and take a shower as soon as the power is back.
Kyiv is a city that may have no electricity, water, or heat for a few days, but the girls would always have their nails done. Because they want to feel beautiful and because the manicurists have portable battery-powered lamps.
Kyiv is a city that may have no electricity, no water, no heat, or no cell phone service, but it always has fresh bread. And there’s plenty of food at the store. And you can pay with your card. And there are garbage trucks picking up garbage. There is snowplowing machinery working during a snowfall. Even though the traffic lights might not work, there seem to be fewer traffic accidents than usual.
One day, the history books will tell about a nation that not only had its warriors defeat the barbarians but also had its civilians manage to remain civilized in the artificial barbaric conditions brought upon them. They managed to maintain their usual civilized lifestyle as much as possible. I don’t know how. It’s a miracle.”