It’s been two years since Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine. As the war enters its third year, Ukrainians are hoping that Russian brutality and propaganda will not dent Western support for Kiev.
Yulia Kanivska, a mother of one, lives in Irpin, 20 kilometers north of the capital of Ukraine. The city was occupied by Russia for about a month in 2022. Under their occupation, Irpin became an almost ruined city. Ukrainian forces later recaptured the city from the Russians.
Yulia said, I was very scared. We never thought Russia could attack us.
He fears that pro-Russian propaganda could obscure the true picture of Ukrainian suffering and undermine Western support for the war-torn country.
Many of my relatives live in Russia, my husband’s aunt and her children live in Russia, she explained. Now they don’t talk to us. Because they cannot believe that we are being bombarded and fighting for freedom. Am Swami sent them some pictures of the destroyed house and wrote to them, This is our life. In reply they wrote, it is not very dangerous, ok. It is not only in Russia, but also abroad, we met many people – many of whom were pro-Russian, they did not understand us, they did not believe us.
Yulia said Western governments and the NATO military alliance must continue to provide Ukraine with the necessary financial and military support to counter Russian aggression. Because Ukraine is not only fighting for its own liberation, it is fighting for the liberation of the whole world.
In early February, European Union (EU) leaders approved an important cooperation proposal for Ukraine worth 50 billion euros. This will allow Ukraine to continue funding government and essential services such as health care, education, social security and pensions.
It was approved amid uncertainty over Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s threat to block the proposal by exercising his veto power.
A few days ago the US Senate passed a cooperation resolution for Ukraine. Under this proposal, Ukraine will receive 56 billion euros in aid.
But there is uncertainty over whether the bill will pass the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson has already indicated he will oppose bringing the bill to a vote.
War breaks up families
Dmitry is a father, a husband and a doctor from the Donetsk region. He thinks that all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea, which was occupied by Russia in 2014, should be returned.
However, his father, who lives in Belgorod, Russia, disagrees with this position. Dimitri said, “My father thinks there are many Nazis in Ukraine.” Russia is doing the right thing by occupying Ukraine. Since 2017 there is no conversation between us. And now it is impossible.
Dimitri also said, My father’s car has the initials ‘Z’ written on it. He is supporting Russia in the war.
He wants to forget all the pain from the beginning of the war. But Ukraine needs more weapons and military equipment to reclaim territory from Russian occupation.
Military experts say the war has reached a stalemate. Russian President Vladimir Putin is waiting for the election results of the United States and some European countries. He will then decide his next strategy.
The two years of war caused heavy losses and casualties on both sides. Yet the fight continues.
Source: Euro News
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