This week marks the third year since Ukraine was invaded by Russia. I’ve been thinking almost nonstop about the devastation of this democratic country and the unbelievable bravery of the Ukrainian people.
The Ukrainians have faced horrors that many of us will never know, or at least I hope we never know. Children have been stolen from their parents. Loved ones have been killed. The country’s infrastructure has been greatly damaged. And the Ukrainian people continue to fiercely fight for their freedom, for their democracy.
I’m not a politician, nor an historian. But, you don’t have to be an expert to be affected by the huge impact of this war.
I grew up believing in democracy. While it may not be perfect in its implementations, democracy represents the fundamental goals of equality and opportunity worth striving for, trying and trying in the hopes of getting it right.
Many fear that the U.S. will stop supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom. I’m disappointed and angry that the U.S. did not vote with other countries to approve a European-backed Ukrainian resolution that condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Here’s an NPR article about that.
José Andrés recognized the three-year anniversary of the war this week in his Longer Tables newsletter (Longer Table/Substack). He described the ways that the Longer Table Fund, which he founded, is helping Ukranians. He mentions three organizations that Longer Table supports to help Ukrainians:
- SaveUA is an organization that helps the country’s agricultural system be more resilient to the impact of the war, so that they can continue to produce food.
- Superhumans is a rehabilitation center that provides free prosthetics, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, and psychological support to Ukrainians impacted by the war.
- Save Ukraine is an NGO focused on rescuing Ukrainian children that were deported to Russia.
Andrés’s newsletter provides more detail on each organization and how Longer Table is working with them. Also, World Central Kitchen continues to provide meals for Ukrainians. You can read about it on their website.
It’s a small thing in the face of this terrible war, but good to know that so many people are helping the Ukrainians.
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A thoughtul post, Dottie, and thanks for the helpful links.
Thanks Frances. Little did I know when I posted this that events would take an even more difficult turn. The people of Ukraine need our support.