As Russia’s shameless war against Ukraine drags into its 717th grueling day, the world’s attention threatens to drift despite lack of resolution to the war.
Yet General Zaluzhnyi’s words ring louder than ever in calling us to action within our communities: “Do what you can, where you are.”
It is natural to feel overwhelmed by the ceaseless news of war, mixed with life’s endless other worries. Ukrainians and their true allies however cannot afford complacency or “war fatigue” as this battle for national survival and freedom rages on.
The temptation is there to shift our gaze – after all, doesn’t some new war or injustice emerge each week now? Aren’t there enough problems at home demanding our time and energy too?
This cannot paralyze us into apathy or indifference. For if free people lack the vigilance to defend liberty and justice when directly confronted, then we resign it to slow erosion everywhere.
As the Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka once wrote, “Contra spem spero” – Beyond hope, I hope. Despite the length and trials of this war, we must sustain support and solidarity.
Just as Ukrainians on the frontlines cannot tire or surrender, we too must tune out distractions and continue standing in support within our communities. Renew efforts to fundraise, volunteer, pressure leaders and keep Ukrainian struggles foremost in neighbours’ minds despite other news.
Re-commit to the values under attack in Kharkiv, Kherson and across Ukraine. The future of democracy abroad and at home depends on ordinary people doing what we can, where we stand – even 717 days later.
Our solidarity remains Ukraine’s lifeline. Do not allow it to fray even as the war’s ending remains unseen. Freedom must persist on both sides
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