by

Not The Regularly Scheduled Programming

For about a day, I thought that I would still be able to run the regular Saturday Question. Then, as the madness of what is happening in Ukraine increased, for a short period of time I contemplated asking Portia or one of my other guest writers to do it since I just couldn’t bring myself to be chatting about even such a joyful and positive topic as perfumes. And then I decided that since most of my blog’s readers are my friends or people who come here not just to be entertained, I would not pretend that it’s “business as usual”: our family, our friends and co-workers are there; we do not know what happens to them tomorrow… or in the following year, whatever this war results in. I still can’t completely believe that this is happening.

We grew up with a particular war mythology. It doesn’t really matter whether it was a complete truth (it wasn’t), but it had the right connotation and moral. Our country lost dozens of millions of people in the WWII, but it was a just war in which we defended ourselves and didn’t really have a choice.

I cannot believe that the nation that survived that war, lived through and overcame Stalinism and finally disillusioned in socialism, just 30 years later became that World bully who disrespects not only that World or neighboring countries but even its own people who risking their lives protest this abomination.

These are photos of the city where I was born. Kharkov (as I knew it) or Kharkiv (from the Ukrainian spelling). It hasn’t been occupied as of now, but the fight is happening very close to the city limits. Our relatives and friends report explosions. Many spent a night in subway stations or basements sheltering from shelling. I’m so worried about all the people I know… and about those whom I don’t. A war is scary. It kills. It maims. And more than in one sense.

In many situations, there are two (or more) sides to the story. Not for me, not in this case. There will be absolutely no discussion on this blog about any merits for this monster’s actions. So, if anyone feels differently, let’s just calmly part our ways: you are either with me on the issue, or you do not comment.

Advertisement

37 thoughts on “Not The Regularly Scheduled Programming”

  2. I’m so sorry. This must be so terrifying to have friends and loved ones in danger. He is a monster, and I can’t believe anyone is defending these actions. He seems a bit mad now, which makes his unpredictability all the more frightening.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. My heart goes out to you and everyone in Ukraine
    It is heartbreaking watching the news so I can only imagine how hard it is to hear directly from friends and family who are in danger and living in fear. Sending you and them the strength to endure this.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Having seen the aftermath of a car being driven over by a Russian military tank WHILST BRING DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY!
    The brainwashing of humans to be able to carry out such personal & petty cruelties I find difficult to comprehend.
    That the driver was freed & physically uninjured was a miracle! His mental injuries we will never learn about.
    My heart aches for the Ukrainian people 💔

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Thank you for the respect you show by writing about how you feel. I haven’t commented for quite a while, because of personal sad and difficult times. However sad, the needless suffering of so many puts this totally in perspective. Every day lived in outer freedom, in your own home, is a blessing and a gift, never to be taken for granted.
    I am so very sorry Undina, for you, for Victoria, and other bloggers with Ukranian roots, or Anniky from Letland who must be very worried too, for the acts of one madman to cause you much pain and worry. It is so important to realise this could happen to anyone, and it is people like you and me that this very moment are on the run or fighting for their lives. The courage and strength of the Ukranian people, and their brave president, are exemplary.
    You may have seen the video gone viral about the brave Ukranian woman telling off the Russian soldier. What I found so sad is that clearly the soldier, who remained polite, was so uncomfortable with being there, showing I believe, it is not a country called Russia invading Ukraine, it is one man who does this. Not the people he is keeping hostage while stealing their money and wealth. I suggest all readers to donate to the Red Cross or other organisations who support the Ukrainian people, if they can. Fortunately the Netherlands and the rest of Europe welcomes them with open arms, and as much support on all levels as is possible is given.
    In times as dark as these, small and big acts of kindness shine a light that can’t be put out.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Undina, my Undina, my heart and my prayers are with Ukraine and all its people. It is so sad and frustrating to follow the news about the unjustified inflicted pain that your country is taking now and will go thru in the future. I have friends and co-workers extremely worry about their dear ones there. It is heartbreaking to witness their anxiety firsthand. Sending comforting hugs, even though they will never be enough to ease all the pain and suffering.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Sickening and terrifying what one megalomaniac can do. My heart and head are with the Ukrainian people, and you, Undina. There aren’t any words to ease your worries.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. I remember your post about Fille De Berlin, from quite a few years back. I’m so sorry for the Ukrainians. I can’t believe as a world we’re finally getting a grip on corona virus, and now this. I wish I had the ability to express what I’m feeling. Think I had better get outside-get moving, get some blood flowing, to try and feel a bit better. We had a lot of snow last night and it’s so pretty and light and sparkly. But hopefully last dump of snow before spring.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. There are no words. This is so tragic. I’m praying that the people you know there remain safe, Undina — though I don’t even know what “safe” means in this scenario. I appreciate your sharing your thoughts with us today. Our thoughts are with you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. I am so very sad for you, your family and friends, and all the people of Ukraine. This is such a brutal, completely unprovoked attack by a megalomaniac. Sending hugs and all the positive healing energy I can to you and all Ukranians. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  24. I’m so sorry for the state of the world and most specially for you and your family, friends, and co-workers. You are absolutely right that there are no 2 sides to the “story”. It’s not even a story! We are talking about people! My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. What is happening literally brings tears to my eyes. I had to sit for a while before I could write anything. Just one life ending is too many. All of this person’s dreams and hopes and love, gone forever. And for what? Let’s hope this finally brings the cruel, blood-soaked monster down.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. Pingback: Scent Sample Sunday: Musc Intense – Serenity Now Scents and Sensibilities

  31. It is simply a heart breaking situation, Undina. That you for sharing this most personal post. My thoughts are with you and the people of the Ukraine. I myself have Slovakian ancestors who have ancestral roots in the Ukraine.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  33. Pingback: Skincare Mini Reviews | A Bottled Rose

  34. Undine, I am so sorry. I’ve been watching with horror as your beautiful country and people are facing this evil with courage, honor, tenacity. I have called my representatives and The White House (yes, ordinary citizens can call and write the White House to express our views) to provide more support. The world must know that an attack on Ukraine is an aftershock of attacks on all of us. I keep Ukraine in my thoughts and must say this is a very dark time. My heart is with you all.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

What's on your mind? (I encourage posting relating links to your posts)

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.