Voice of Ukraine

From Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 460):

Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none.
Psalm 10:15

It’s one missile attack after another. I’m already losing track of those.

Last night, as I was writing my daily update, Ukraine was under an air raid warning. The Russians launched 40 cruise missiles and 38 kamikaze drones. Our air defense shot down 36 rockets and 30 drones. It was a sleepless night for many. That was the 18th attack in May.

However, the morning didn’t bring relief. Just before noon, as people were at work and kids were at school, the Russians launched 11 Iskander cruise and ballistic missiles aimed at Kyiv. Once again, our air-defense forces did the impossible and shot down all 11 rockets.

During this second attack, I caught myself thinking that I didn’t feel as scared as last fall. I know we have a much better air-defense system thanks to our allies. I know that our air-defense experts have a unique experience and have had plenty of opportunities to polish their skills. I didn’t feel scared, but I felt exasperated. After 15 months of full-scale war (and nine years of hybrid war), I still cannot understand how such cruelty is possible. I was calmly waiting for the air raid to be over to see the report and find out the outcome until I saw a video (posted in the comments below) of schoolchildren running down the streets of Kyiv to the nearest shelter. You could hear the explosions and the children screaming. This video broke me.

As I’m writing this, there are explosions in Kyiv. Ukraine is under yet another drone attack.

And today, once again, I am amazed at how accurate and relevant Psalms may be today.

O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Psalm 10:17-18