From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 376):
But you, you are to be feared!
Who can stand before you
when once your anger is roused?
Psalm 76:7
Every time you think that you can no longer be shaken by Russian brutality, they outdo themselves. [this content may be sensitive]
Today, we were horrified by a video. It is unclear when or where it was made, but it shows a Ukrainian soldier executed by the Russians. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for them to torture captive Ukrainians, record it on video and then send the videos to the wives, mothers, and children to cause even more pain.
The soldier in the video was unarmed. Perhaps one of the POWs. He most likely knew he was going to be executed. He finishes his cigarette, looks the invaders in the eyes, and calmly and quietly says, “Glory to Ukraine” (“Slava Ukraini). The enraged Russians kill him and keep shooting at the dead body.
It is such a vivid contrast of dignity and pure hatred that you wish it belonged in a movie. We still don’t know the name of this hero, and I keep thinking about his family who had to see this video. It is inhumane, cruel, barbaric, and too horrible to be put into words.
Killing prisoners of war is a war crime. It is an example of the worthlessness and weakness of Russia.
However, somewhere in a parallel universe, Russia remains a member of the UN Security Council and will even assume its scheduled one-month presidency there on April 1. A funny joke for April Fool’s Day? Will world leaders at least protest against this outrage upon justice? Or shall we all keep business as usual and pretend these brutalities never happened?
The last words of this unknown Ukrainian hero, “Glory to Ukraine” (“Slava Ukraini), are part of a traditional greeting. Throughout the decades of oppression, this greeting could cost you your life. The traditional response is, “Glory to the heroes.” These words were poignantly posted by thousands of Ukrainians today in memory of this unknown hero in response to his last words.
Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes. Glory to God. May He restore justice and heal our land.
Voice of Ukraine 