Page 25 - Countrysmart Nr 3-2022

COUNTRYSMART • ÖPPET BREV FRÅN OLENA ZELENSKA
and children who carry with them the pain and heartache of leaving loved ones and life as they knew it behind. The men bringing them to the borders shedding tears to break apart their families, but bravely returning to fight for our free- dom. After all, despite all this horror, Ukrainians do not give up.
The aggressor, Putin, thought that he would unleash blitzkrieg on Ukraine. But he underestimated our country, our people, and their patriotism. Ukrainians, regardless of political views, native lang- uage, beliefs, and nationalities, stand in unparalleled unity.
While Kremlin propagandists brag- ged that Ukrainians would welcome them with flowers as saviors, they have been shunned with Molotov cocktails.
I thank the citizens of the attacked ci- ties, who have coordinated to help those in need. Those that keep working - in pharmacies, stores, public transporta- tion, and social services – showing that in Ukraine, life wins.
I acknowledge those that have pro-
vided humanitarian aid to our citizens and thank you for your continued sup- port. And to our neighbors who have generously opened their borders to pro- vide shelter for our women and children, thank you for keeping them safe, when the aggressor has rendered us unable to do so.
To all the people around the world who are rallying to support Ukraine. We see you! We’re here watching and appre- ciate your support.
Ukraine wants peace. But Ukraine will defend its borders. Defend its identi- ty. These it will never yield.
In cities where shelling persists, whe- re people find themselves under debris, unable to get out of basements for days, we need safe corridors for humanitarian aid and evacuation of civilians to safety. We need those in power to close our sky!
Close the sky, and we will manage the war on the ground ourselves.
I appeal to you, dear media: keep showing what is happening here and keep showing the truth. In the informa-
tion war waged by the Russian Federa- tion, every piece of evidence is crucial.
And with this letter, I testify and tell the world: the war in Ukraine is not a war ”somewhere out there.” This is a war in Europe, close to the EU borders. Ukraine is stopping the force that may aggressively enter your cities tomorrow under the pretext of saving civilians.
Last week to me and my people, this would have seemed like an exaggeration, but it is the reality we’re living in today. And we do not know how long it will last. If we don’t stop Putin, who threatens to start a nuclear war, there will be no safe place in the world for any of us.
We will win. Because of our unity.
Unity towards love for Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!
Olena Zelenska
COUNTRY SMART
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