I’ve heard it several times when discussions of the war in Ukraine come up. “Is that still happening?” Partially, it’s an understandable question. The war is well into its third year and the western media doesn’t give it the same attention as it did in the first year. For the West, it’s old news. Elections, sports, and the war in Gaza combined with a limited ability to expose ourselves to the vastness of human suffering makes it difficult to stay aware.
But let me assure you, it’s still very much happening. Russia’s horrific attempt to wipe out a nation and a people is still happening every day. The only difference between now and two years ago, is that the world isn’t paying much attention anymore and that helps Russia.
I’ve been traveling all over Ukraine the past couple of weeks.
I saw and heard bombings. I saw a school that had been recently blown up. I met lots of old men who are being conscripted because Ukraine is desperate to keep defending. I spoke with mothers and young women who have sons and husbands on the front line. Only a few hours after we left some cities and towns, they were attacked. Men are scared to travel because they can be conscripted on the street and at checkpoints.
As the West continues to argue over if and how to support Ukraine, Russia is slowly destroying more of this nation and its people. The West has sometimes given enough weapons and aid for Ukraine to defend itself, but not to win. If Russia ceases fire, the war would end. If Ukraine ceases fire, Ukraine would end. However, people continue to invest, rebuild, plant, harvest, and help each other.
As I write this, the world is still reeling over the attack on the children’s hospital in Kyiv two days ago. While small cancer patients, and kids in surgery, rely on the hospital for survival, Putin sent a missile to the hospital leaving it destroyed while holding the sickest and most vulnerable people in this country. If the world needed a reminder that this is still happening, this terrorist attack was it.
One of my most overwhelming feelings being in Ukraine right now is how helpless I feel. At the same time, I’ve talked to dozens of people who have been impacted by Hungry For Life’s continued work over the past two and half years. While I am helpless to do anything about a missile slamming into a children’s hospital, I am inspired by all the people we have impacted all over the nation. I am continually thanked by people here for the support, love, prayers and visits by Canadians.
While you may feel Ukraine war fatigue, Ukrainians feel it even more. If you can continue to help, please know you are providing hope in what seems like a hopeless situation.
