Dear Friends,
As I write this on the morning of January 9th, 2026, my birth country and the place I was born (Lviv) is buried under snow, gripped by freezing temperatures approaching -20°C, and under relentless assault from Russian missiles and drones.
Last night, Russia launched one of its largest combined attacks: at least 20 Kalibr cruise missiles, over 100 Shahed drones, and more than 10 ballistic missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities. In Kyiv alone, 4 people are dead. 24 are wounded—including 5 rescuers who rushed to save others. In a particularly cruel act, Russian forces deliberately struck the same location twice, targeting first responders and medics as they worked. One rescuer paid with his life for trying to help others.
This is not a military operation. This is terrorism designed to freeze, starve, and break the Ukrainian people.
Why now? Why this intensity?
Russia has recently lost access to Venezuelan oil markets. Its shadow fleet of tankers is under unprecedented pressure. The economic noose is tightening. And so, in Putin’s twisted logic, when he cannot strike back at America directly, he punishes Ukraine. When his ships are seized, Ukrainian apartment buildings burn. When his oil revenues falter, Ukrainian children huddle in bomb shelters.
To those who believe that any world leader—Trump or otherwise—will save Ukraine or another country suffering from genocide out of compassion, I say this with a heavy heart: do not mistake geopolitical interests for humanitarian concern. Venezuela’s oil is valuable. Ukraine’s people, it seems, are expendable in the calculations of great power politics. This is a deadly mistake—not just morally, but strategically.
The people of Ukraine cannot fight forever.
Every night brings new attacks. Every morning brings new funerals. The defenders—soldiers, air defense crews, rescuers, medics, energy workers—perform miracles daily. But they are human. They are exhausted. They are dying.
And here is what Europe and America must understand: Russia will not stop at Ukraine.
If Ukraine falls—if the world allows this genocide to succeed—Moldova is next. The Baltics. Poland. The entire post-war security order collapses. Every day of Western hesitation is paid for in Ukrainian blood.
What can we do?
We can refuse to look away. We can donate to Ukrainian defense and humanitarian organizations. We can pressure our governments to provide more air defense systems, more support, faster. We can attend vigils, write letters, make noise.
We can remember that after every dark night—even one filled with dozens of missiles and drones—the sun rises. The people of Ukraine rise with it, clear the rubble, repair what can be repaired, and keep living.
I believe in that sunrise. But belief is not enough. Action is required.
Stand with Ukraine. Before it’s too late for all of us.
Please share this letter with anyone who might need another reminder.
Send it to friends, colleagues, family members, elected officials—anyone whose attention may have drifted, anyone who has grown numb to the headlines, anyone who needs to hear that this war is not over, that people are still dying, and that their voice and support still matter. The world’s attention is Ukraine’s lifeline. Do not let it fade.
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