From time to time, Ukrainians give testimony before the U.S. Congress. Here is a news report that begins, “A 57-year-old Ukrainian woman from Kherson testified to US lawmakers that Russian forces beat her, threatened to rape her and forced her to dig her own grave.” I never blame people for not reading stories such as this. But I think all of us should be aware of them.
• A great many foreigners have volunteered in Ukraine. I have taken note of them, from time to time. I would like to take note of Marek Mastalerz. A report says,
A Polish volunteer who died of wounds sustained during a humanitarian mission in eastern Ukraine was buried in his home city in western Poland Friday.
Marek Mastalerz of the Inicjatywa Nehemiasz (Nehemiah Initiative) private aid group is the first Polish volunteer known to have been killed in neighboring Ukraine since Russia started the war there 14 months ago.
A number of Polish activists have been injured while taking aid to Ukraine.
Mastalerz, in his mid-40s, was buried in a Roman Catholic service in Poznan, according to the volunteer group.
Bless the Nehemiah Initiative and all other such efforts.
• Those who are inclined to be inspired, will be. “Irpin, Ukraine’s ‘Hero City,’ Rebuilds After Liberation.” The report says, “With nearly 70 percent of Irpin destroyed during Russia’s brutal invasion and occupation, the commuter city, which lies adjacent to Kyiv, is slowly coming back to life as its community rebuilds.”
The Ukrainians are setting a remarkable example for the world: of perseverance, in the face of the worst.
• This, I found touching, and I know others will, too: “Volunteers And Refugees In Estonia Weave Camouflage Nets For Ukrainian Army.” Each contributing, in his own way. (The story is here.)
• Ukrainians need protection against bombing. This story reports, “American-made Patriot missiles have arrived in Ukraine, the country’s defense minister said Wednesday, providing Kyiv with a long-sought new shield against the Russian airstrikes that have devastated cities and civilian infrastructure.”
• Another story: “The U.S. military will begin training Ukrainian troops on Abrams M1 tanks in the next several weeks, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced Friday.”
• Another: “Denmark, Netherlands to donate 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.” Denmark’s acting defense minister said, “It is absolutely crucial for the hope of a peaceful and secure Europe that we do not let the Ukrainians fight the battle alone.”
• Last week, I took note of Vadim Prokhorov, the Russian who has served as lawyer to several prominent opposition politicians and dissidents. He was Vladimir Kara-Murza’s lawyer. Kara-Murza has been sentenced to 25 years. Prokhorov fled the country, having been tipped off that he was next for arrest.
Here is a story about Dmitry Talantov. He was the lawyer of Ivan Safronov, who has been sentenced to 22 years. Talantov himself is in prison.
In this police state, who will dare to defend the dissidents? Who can?
• Seymour Hersh has been appearing on Russian state television. Which is a good match.
• Here is a report on a Kremlin effort in Germany. The Kremlin seeks to foster a Left-Right coalition against support of the Ukrainians. Such a coalition is natural in many countries, with or without Kremlin maneuvering. We see it in our own country. And it’s up to the rest of us to do our work, without fatigue.
The Venezuelan democracy leader Leopoldo López has a slogan: “El que se cansa, pierde.” “He who tires, loses.” The tyrants and the authoritarians: They seem never to tire. The freedom people are going to have to keep up.