Some highlights and thoughts, Day 9 of the war.
Spirit.
As predicted by psychologists, on the 8-9th days of war people may experience certain depression, prostration, even despair. We were prepared for this feeling, so we tried to fight it with positive news, jokes, memes, hugs - anything that could support the spirit. We've spent the night at home, in the corridor, which is better than being in the shelter, as it's quite cold there. So I feel a bit better after sleeping more than 5 hours.
Evacuation.
The biggest pain point for today is that occupants don't cease fire in Mariupol and Volnovakha. It was agreed to arrange a green corridor to let women, kids and the elderly to leave the dangerous areas. However, evacuation has been postponed, as the fire doesn't cease.
As of today, 32 kids around Ukraine have been killed.
International help.
It's incredible to see how many countries worldwide help us with various goods, how people in the neighboring countries support the evacuated people by providing accommodation, informational and material support. I'm sure that in the peaceful time, when it's all over, we'll get a chance to thank everyone, welcome them in a thriving Kyiv and other beautiful cities in Ukraine, treat them with our specialties and show our historic places that survived so many events, and will survive this war. But for now, we need to unite - both in fighting and in helping.
Volunteering.
In different cities volunteers are required to help in the humanitarian sorting centers. Many areas require the goods of first necessity. My husband and I have registered to help, too.
Protests.
I'm so proud of brave and dignified people of Kherson and other cities who, despite the presence of armed occupants, gather for patriotic pro-Ukrainian meetings. The occupants try to play out pathetic theatrical performance with "humanitarian help" to people. film it and show on russian tv to show who kind and welcome they are here. Ukrainians told them to go f*ck themselves - so proud of them.
This is a free and dignified country, not a place for cruel cowards who hide behind the backs of civilians and tolerate isolation, propaganda and everyday lies of their criminal government, doing nothing, but supporting their atrocity.