Emma Kitaygorodsky, Class IV
Photo Credit: Prexels
A little over a year ago, President Putin of Russia ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian military entered Ukraine's sovereign land illegally and started a war that has unnecessarily killed tens of thousands of people and injured millions more.
This war has destroyed houses, schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, torn apart families, uprooted millions from their towns, aggravated the world food crisis, disrupted the energy markets, and jeopardized global peace and security. Since the start of the war over 8 million people have fled Ukraine. The goal of this conflict is to annex Ukrainian territory and obstruct the nation's move toward democracy and independence. Yet here they still stand today.
I had the opportunity to interview Edward Kitaygorodsky, a Jewish-Ukrainian man who has been in contact with people in Ukraine at this moment as well as people who have fled, and was able to give insight on the changes they experienced from the beginning to the present day.
Mr. Kitaygorodsky was born and raised in Ukraine and immigrated with his mother to the United States of America in his twenties. He has been able to speak with old friends since the start of the war. I asked him, "What has the experience been like hearing the stories of your friends?" to which he replied, "In a word, devastating. Hearing that civilized people who have been living all their lives in normal conditions have to adapt to living with no power, no hot water, no electricity, and not being able to connect with their friends and family is truly a devastating situation. It is horrific having to wake up to bombs and sirens, evacuate frequently, and go underground.” He said, "My friends have been reserved about their troubles, but one of the biggest challenges is that the men are on the frontlines, fighting, while the women have to take care of the children on their own. These families are separated for an unknown period of time, putting pressure on every individual's mental health on top of the agony of preserving their physical well-being. It's devastating. The increased heavy fighting has brought a strain everywhere, and the Ukrainian people are dependent on foreign aid to keep them alive.” However, it is clear to him that, "people are motivated to work and continue to contribute to a broken society." In terms of access to food, the supply is better, but obtaining medicine since the beginning has been a challenge. When asked the question, "What do you think is next for the people in Ukraine?" He believes, "Situations have gotten worse, but the people are still hopeful, and so should we all. Ukrainians are determined to win this battle to fight back for the territories Russia took. They believe they are able to rebuild the country, persevere, and make a better world for the new generations." Supporting the needs of the Ukrainian people is vital to their survival. Whether that be by helping them learn English, which he has helped some of his friends with, or by donating to trustworthy charities.
Although situations in Ukraine are still shaky, it is important to know that this fight is not over for the people in Ukraine; if you help make even the smallest change it is one step closer to helping them rebuild their broken society.
Pictures of a Year in Ukraine **TW: Blood:
Find out how to donate following this link: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/donate-relief-to-ukraine/