From: Ira Kapitonova in Kyiv (Day 1325)
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
Psalm 25:2
For over two weeks now, we’ve been observing how methodically russia is immersing the frontline regions into the blackout. Day after day, the power lines and other energy infrastructure were repeatedly attacked. My heart went out to the people left without electricity and water, and especially the most vulnerable groups – the sick, the elderly, and families with kids.
Well, it’s Kyiv’s turn now. Yesterday, our upper school kids went to their traditional overnight retreat. It’s the first middle school retreat for our son, and he was thrilled to go. When the sirens went off in the middle of the night, my husband and I moved to the mattress in the hallway, and as I fell back to sleep, I quickly prayed for the safety of our kids and staff. Thankfully, they had a quiet night, but Kyiv was shaken by explosions, and we’re currently left without electricity and water. The situation is the same for the whole left bank and a major part of the right bank. One of the metro lines was not able to operate, and they are gradually restoring its power supply, station by station. They hope to restore the water and power supply by evening, but I know that it can take longer.
Last night, russia attacked Ukraine with 465 drones and 32 missiles. 13 missiles and 60 drones hit 19 locations (which means there were several hits on many locations). Kyiv, Dnipro, Poltava, Sumy, Odesa, Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions were affected the most.
Why do they do this? To break our spirit. They want us to be upset with our government and put the blame on them. They want us to panic and agree to capitulate.
Are we panicking? Well, we are incredibly angry and annoyed. We don’t have school today because of the upper school retreat, but life in Kyiv continues as usual, just as it does after every massive attack. Generators are roaring at every street corner, coffee shops are open, and buses pick up people at the metro stations that are still waiting to resume operations. Water is available at generator-powered water pumps. And once again, it’s just people coming together to help each other.
It is an inconvenience. An annoyance. It’s something that only makes us more resolved to do what it takes to never be associated with russia. And our children, the next generation of our country, are well aware of who is causing our suffering today, so it will have a lasting effect.
Please pray for all the people left without water and electricity. Pray for those whose homes were damaged in the attack. Pray for those who were injured and for the families who lost their loved ones in the attack.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. (John 1:5, NLT).
Voice of Ukraine 