Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a war that is now longer than America’s participation in WW II. Or Russia’s fight against Nazi Germany in the war.
Ukraine is defending itself, its European democratic neighbors, and all who believe in freely chosen political leadership. Winston Churchill said it best during Great Britain’s “finest hour” when that country stood alone after Germany had subdued the entire European continent: “We are fighting by ourselves alone, but we are not fighting for ourselves alone.”
A local Ukrainian support group in Bethesda, MD sent packages of excess Halloween candy to Ukraine for school children’s gifts at Christmas. Here is one report and a picture:
Our Halloween candy was distributed in Christmas gift bags. Comments from teachers indicate that sometimes small children often don’t know what to make of these gifts. Seeing photos, I couldn’t understand why so many of the kids weren’t beaming with unbridled joy.
Then, I realized how many have had to adapt to a life of sleepless nights in shelters, with wailing sirens. Now, many also have to contend with the constant cold in sub zero temperatures. This is the 4th winter in these conditions for these children. They often just stare at the Christmas candy bag and ask hesitantly “I can have this? This is for me?”
Trains as Warming Centers
Amid a prolonged, harsh cold snap (low of -16C/high of -10C) and lack of heating, Ukrainian Railways has deployed “resilience carriages” in powerless parts of Kyiv region. Inside, they offer a place to warm up, charge gadgets, use Starlink. Plus tea, coloring books & cartoons for kids, food/water for pets.
They’ve been heroes in the eyes of the Ukrainian people since the start of the war – literally a lifesaver during the country’s darkest times. In the Kyiv region, more than 1,000 buildings are still without heat for 3rd day after massive Russian attacks. Source: January 11, World Briefing
