Slavic Languages

Some of my students in Westport

I haven't written in some time and so much has happened. I have started teaching English to Ukrainians in Newport on Tuesdays and Westport on Thursdays. It's interesting that the Russian speakers do not believe that I cannot understand Russian. They have, however, started to respect that I do not wish to understand Russian, even though I really cannot understand most of it. What is also interesting, is that the Ukrainian language has evolved so differently in Ukraine. They use many more Russian words, like Da instead of Tak, and ponimayu instead of rosumiyu, and harasho instead of dobre.  

So I asked ChatGPT, the AI chat box what the difference is between Russian and Ukrainian. I have often told people they have different letters in their alphabets to start. Russian has also many more gutteral and Asian sounds as it had a lot of Far Eastern influence. Here's what AI had to say. 

"Russian and Ukrainian are two closely related Slavic languages that are spoken in Eastern Europe. They are both members of the East Slavic subgroup of the Slavic languages and are therefore closely related to each other, with a high degree of mutual intelligibility. However, they are distinct languages and there are some important differences between them.

One of the main differences between Russian and Ukrainian is the alphabet that they use. Russian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which is an alphabet of 33 letters that was developed in the 9th century based on the Greek alphabet. Ukrainian, on the other hand, uses the Cyrillic alphabet, but it also includes some additional letters to represent sounds that are specific to Ukrainian.

Another important difference between Russian and Ukrainian is their vocabulary. Although the two languages share a common Slavic root, they have developed a number of distinct words and phrases over the centuries. For example, Ukrainian tends to use more Ukrainian-derived words, while Russian tends to use more Russian-derived words.

There are also some differences in pronunciation and grammar between Russian and Ukrainian. Ukrainian tends to have a more complex grammar, with more cases and verb forms, and it also tends to use more nasal vowel sounds. Russian, on the other hand, has a simpler grammar and tends to use more palatalized consonants.

Overall, while Russian and Ukrainian are closely related languages, they are distinct and have their own unique characteristics and features. It is important to recognize and respect these differences, and to use the appropriate language when communicating with speakers of Russian or Ukrainian."

The modern Russian alphabet consists of 33 letters: twenty consonants (⟨б⟩, ⟨в⟩, ⟨г⟩, ⟨д⟩, ⟨ж⟩, ⟨з⟩, ⟨к⟩, ⟨л⟩, ⟨м⟩, ⟨н⟩, ⟨п⟩, ⟨р⟩, ⟨с⟩, ⟨т⟩, ⟨ф⟩, ⟨х⟩, ⟨ц⟩, ⟨ч⟩, ⟨ш⟩, ⟨щ⟩), ten vowels (⟨а⟩, ⟨е⟩, ⟨ё⟩, ⟨и⟩, ⟨о⟩, ⟨у⟩, ⟨ы⟩, ⟨э⟩, ⟨ю⟩, ⟨я⟩), a semivowel / consonant (⟨й⟩), and two modifier letters or "signs" (⟨ь⟩, ⟨ъ⟩) that alter the pronunciation of a preceding consonant or a following vowel.

In the modern Ukrainian alphabet, twenty letters represent consonants (б,в, г, ґ, д, ж, з, к, л, м, н, п, р, с, т, ф, х, ц, ч, ш, щ), ten vowels (а, е, є, и, і, ї, о, у, ю, я), and one semivowel (й/yot). The soft sign (ь), which appears only after consonants, indicates that the preceding consonant is soft (palatalized).

Note: When I responded to what I thought was an error in the AI answer, "I would argue that it is Russian that has additional letters to represent sounds that are specific to Russian rather than the other way around. Otherwise, it's pretty accurate." here's what it said:

Thank you for your feedback. You are correct that I made a mistake in my previous response. Ukrainian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, but it includes some additional letters to represent sounds that are specific to Ukrainian. Russian, on the other hand, uses the standard Cyrillic alphabet, which consists of 33 letters. I apologize for the error in my previous response. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

Russian and Ukrainian, at first glance, look very similar. This is not so. In reality, they have more differences than similarities. In fact, Ukrainian does not use the letters Ёё, Ъъ, Ыы, Ээ, but does have Ґґ, Єє, Іі, Її, which are not present in Russian.

The following table visually shows how much closer the basic vocabulary of Modern Ukrainian is to other Eastern European languages and how far it is from Russian.

Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Polish, Slovak, and Czech (Note: all country names are in Russian)
https://folkways.today/different-russian-ukrainian-language/ 

It's not just the alphabet and words that diverge, but also grammar. Ukrainian is more closely related to other European languages than to Russian in grammatical structure. My Ukrainian friends who thought they could get by easily by studying Russian in school often were tripped up by Russian grammar. 

Addendum: "For example, English and Dutch are 63% similar as to their lexical composition, which is more than Russian and Ukrainian. Modern research has shown that Ukrainian is more similar to other Slavic languages: to Belorussian (29 common features), Czech and Slovak (23), Polish (22), Croatian and Bulgarian (21), but as to Russian there are only 11 common features.

Proceeding from this, some linguists even question the unification of Russian and Ukrainian into one language group.

According to statistics, only 62% words are common in these languages. These characteristics rank Russian fifth after Polish, Czech, Slovak and Byelorussian. For example, English and Dutch are 63% similar as to their lexical composition, which is more than Russian and Ukrainian."

'Ukrainian and Russian have common Slavic roots but are about as different as Dutch is from German (or even English)'

Notes on war

 

I haven't written much lately. I could not bring myself to concentrate on the ravages of war or the effects on its displaced and tortured people. I didn't want to document what I was seeing and feeling. So many things got in the way as well. 

So let me start with a brief outline of what has happened in our lives. On the 24th of February, a date none of us will forget, Putin attacked Ukraine. The horror had begun and the madman was progressing his vision of restoring the former USSR to a new glory. But it didn't go so well. The Ukrainians did not welcome his troops, the Russians weren't always sure why they were there, and the people took up arms to defend their sovereignty and their freedom. They even got really even when they shot down the Russian ship that had taken Snake Island -- that's an iconic story reflected in the stamp which one of my Ukrainian families acquired for me. 

We always knew this day would come. The Ukrainian diaspora was prepared to fight and to support Ukrainians on the ground against the terror of Russian aggression. 

To my utter surprise, Ireland opened its doors to all Ukrainians who wanted to flee the country -- no visas required, not even passports were necessary. Just some means of proving you were coming from Ukraine. And come they did. Within days they started flooding into the country. Mostly women and children as the men were staying behind to fight. Men with medical issues and men with babies whose wives needed support could come. Some did and stayed. Some helped their families and then returned to Ukraine to fight. 

Friends who knew I was of Ukrainian decent, offered housing and other forms of support -- money, clothing, food, children's things. I started intercepting people who were asking for help and putting them together with places that were suitable for their needs. Most of the places were in Newport and Rosmoney, but we also had Galway and Westport in the mix. 

We got the early folks, before there were any systems in place. We got transport to get them out here, we organised food and clothing for those who came with nothing. We got medical cards and doctor's visits for those needing medical assistance, like insulin-dependent diabetes. We got the children into schools. We organised rides into town. 

It was an extraordinarily emotional journey. For those who had left everything behind and accepted the help of a stranger they did not know anything about and for us volunteers. My mother had always impressed upon me that we would not be here but for the kindness of strangers when my family was displaced during WWII. I took that to heart and this was coming full circle now where I could pay forward that kindness. 

I wish I had documented all the really special moments. The people of Ireland really embraced the Ukrainians into their communities. I will try to remember and frame experiences with time. I really could not at the time. My husband's mother, Meike, had had a stroke a year before. As the Ukrainians began to arrive, she suffered a second more massive stroke and never recovered. She hung on for days but finally let go of this wretched world.

So in the midst of the Ukrainian crisis, we had a funeral service that was massively attended in Westport, followed by cremation in Cavan, and an overnight stay with the Moores in Monahan. We would wait and celebrate Meike's life with burial on the island in April at Easter, when more friends could attend. 

The following week, we were due to fly to the states for an Ocean Cruising Club AGM, of which I am Vice Commodore and was instrumental in orchestrating the first OCC AGM outside the UK. It was in Annapolis and we were to see the Moch family, my niece's. I hadn't seen them in almost 3 years and Alex had never met the little one, Miles. We decided to go despite reservations about Covid rearing its ugly head again. 

It was a wonderful trip. The AGM was great, the stay in Annapolis a trip through memory lane, the Moch's were in great form -- we love those guys, and we got lots of banking, licensing and business done. The day we returned home, Alex became symptomatic. I developed symptoms the following morning. We tested very positive by antigen test for Covid a day later. We had 10 days before Easter Saturday and the funeral on the island. 

We organised an island clean-up, a bagpiper, and MultiMax for the day remotely and prayed that the weather would hold and our symptoms would clear up. Alex tested negative the day before but had symptoms that persisted -- shortness of breath and tiredness. I had very mild symptoms that resolved quickly but I still tested positive the day of the burial. I wore a mask all day and as far as I know, no one got infected. It was day 10, and I was not obliged to self-isolate. 

One of my Ukrainian families came to the burial and to the reception at Ross House afterwards. It was an interesting introduction to Irish funerals for them. It wasn't really typical but not atypical either. That's when I realised that Ukrainians and Irish also share some funeral practices including an open casket tradition. I wrote a poem for the memorial card which people said reflected Meike's life perfectly. I was happy with the personal nature of it.

So that was how March and April transpired. Kirstin and I started cleaning out the house while Alex continued to manage the estate and the farm.

We launched our boat, Aleria, in May and sailed her home because we had a cruise in company coming up mid-June that Alex was organising. Two weeks of sailing from Clew Bay to Galway Bay and back with members of the Irish Cruising Club. The weather was shite as they say here, so it wasn't the nicest holiday ever. In fact, it wasn't a holiday at all, but rather too much like work. 

Meanwhile, the Ukrainians settled in and are helping us get the gardens at Ross in order, we had a heat wave upon return from sailing, and it sort of feels like we may have an okay August although we will have lots of visitors. I feel bad as I have been unable to interact with the Ukrainians as much as I'd hoped, but most seem to be settling in fine. 

More than 43,000 Ukrainians have settled in Ireland to date and more are on the way. It's very interesting that I can now walk down the street and hear Ukrainian spoken. Not only that, my Ukrainian is becoming more fluent every day. After not speaking a word of it for at least 15 years, I am quite conversational now. How interesting. Our languages have evolved differently. Mine has more English and Polish in it, theirs has more Russian. When I learned, there was no internet, no mobile phones, no technology really. So I have no words for those things, but then again, most of those are from American. Internet is eenternet. 

Meanwhile, Zelenkiy has become a world hero, his wife is doing great things for the mental health of her people, and the Ukrainians have held their ground against massive assaults which took the lives of thousands of civilians. Countless crimes against humanity have been documented and yet Putin continues his relentless attacks unchecked. Somehow, Ukraine has to win. Ukraine must prevail or the continent will suffer. Ukraine is being fast-tracked into the EU, while Norway and Sweden have applied to join NATO. 

Will WWIII break out? I hope not. 

In the meantime, the US falls deeper into the divide with the Supreme Court dismantling rights and Congress investigating the former President's role in the Jan 6 insurrection, Italy's government has fallen, Boris Johnson got kicked out, millions face starvation due to the destruction of grain in Ukraine, and the earth is baking and burning due to climate change. What more can go wrong? 

Why children of immigrants succeed

Fascinating article about the success of children of immigrants in the US. I love the new way of doing interactive graphics. 

I was often asked what my parents did to raise three successful children in one immigrant family. I only knew that my parents (from Ukraine) stressed doing well in school (A was not enough -- it needed to be an A+), choosing the 'acceptable' professions (doctor, lawyer, engineer), and working hard. And my father always told me I could be anyone I wanted to be -- even President of the United States of America since I was the first in the family born there. 

My brother was an engineer and high-level executive at Unisys. My sister was a highly respected infectious disease physician known globally. I broke the patterns - I was a scientist turned marketer who ended up running companies on Madison Avenue. My mother wanted me to be a lawyer but later used to call me her daughter the President. Hahaha!

It was the American story. Three immigrant kids making their way in America, the promised land.

The war

 

Despite heavy losses, Russia presses on in Ukraine. And in a fit of retaliation, Russian media have reported the threat of a nuclear tsunami for the British Isles (that includes Ireland). 

“The explosion of this thermonuclear torpedo by Britain’s coastline will cause a gigantic tsunami wave. Having passed over the British Isles, it will turn whatever might be left of them into a radioactive wasteland.”

The comments came in response to calls by PM Boris Johnson and FS Liz Truss to boost western military aid for Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russia’s offensive. Not that they themselves have done much to help since the conflict started in February. No, just a visit to Kyiv for publicity photos for Boris the spider. 

The fall of Mariupol at Orthodox Easter

As one family walks out of Mariupol with four children, a last-ditch effort to remove those holding strong in the underground caverns beneath a steel factory is taking place. Ukrainian forces and civilians have been stuck underground for weeks. Food and water is running out. And Putin says to just surround the place and wait for them to die. 

There's a field about 19 km outside of Mariupol where a possible mass grave holding thousands of dead has been identified. It is several football fields long. A second mass grave was also spotted. The international tribunals have their hands full. But it will take a long time to bring anyone, especially Putin, to justice. 

Today is Orthodox Easter. The Russians who claim to be Christian have no remorse, no scruples, no Christianity in their bones. 

Christ is Risen! And so shall Ukraine. 

New evidence of Norse connections in Kyiv

Walrus ivory carving from Norway

My speculation about the connections between Dublin and Kyiv has been confirmed by the evidence of trade between Norsemen in Greenland and Dublin and Kyiv. A researcher, archaeologist Natalia Khamaiko, digging on a site along the Dnipro found a treasure trove of items belonging to the Viking era of Kyivan Rus. Among those items was a sample of walrus ivory which provided DNA evidence that the ivory originated in Greenland. It happens to be that of a distinct population of walrus that exists only in Greenland and Arctic Canada. So they were trading and travelling between continents - a 4000 km trade route. Amazing!

The study was written up in Science magazine by Andrew Curry. It's a small world and small wonder I feel at home in Ireland. 

What it means to be Russian today...

Because of Putin's war on Ukraine, Russians everywhere are having a hard time as a result of wide-reaching sanctions. Credit cards don't work, savings in Russia cannot be accessed, and borders are closed to Russian passports. Russians and others are saying it's not fair, that they didn't start or approve of the war. But they didn't stop Putin when they had the chance either. They allowed him to continue to grow more powerful with every term. 

I do feel bad for Russians who are truly dissidents and have had to leave Russia due to persecution for speaking the truth. They did try to change things. But this is war. And war is never fair. The New Yorker today had a great cartoon explaining the situation from the Russian's perspective. 

My prediction is that it will remain difficult to be Russian for a long time after this, much as it was difficult to be German or Japanese after WWII. Russian oil is tainted with Ukrainian blood. And so it will remain. 

The state of winemaking in Ukraine

Photo by Slivino Village winery

Instead of bottling wine in Ukraine, they are using the bottles to make 'Bandera smoothies'.  The men have gone to war and there's no one to work the vineyards. Those who remain are too afraid to move about for work. The glass bottle-making factory was destroyed. Many of the wineries were pillaged and destroyed. 

Read all about the tragedy from one fledgling industry's perspective. Named after Stepan Bandera, a controversial Nationalist who died in 1959 after being poisoned by Soviet agents and is seen by some as a national hero who fought for Ukrainian independence during the 1930s and 1940s, the 'Bandera smoothie' may be the only viable option for the winemakers at this time.  

Meanwhile, lots of celebrities have jumped on the bandwagon to help Ukraine. Actor Mila Kunis — who was born in Ukraine — and her husband Ashton Kutcher have already raised more than $35 million for refugees of the war in Ukraine through their Stand with Ukraine GoFundMe page.

Chef José Andrés and his World Central Kitchen has served more than 5 million meals to refugees as well as civilians and emergency responders in Ukraine. 

AirBnB has vowed to house up to 100,000 refugees on a short term basis. But are they up to the task?  Logistical issues are problematic. 

There are many good people in the world. I wish a few would stand up to Putin and oust him from his long table. 

Blood money

As long as Europeans buy Russian natural resources, there will be money flowing into the war against Ukraine. 

In each barrel of Russian oil you import, there's Ukrainian blood. 

- MP

Mr Shmyal spoke to the BBC's Clive Myrie and described money given to Russia for oil and gas as "blood money... to buy weapons from which they kill Ukrainians." Buying it is financing Russian war crimes. You can't buy just a little bit and be complacent. 

Vladimir Putin sells 5m barrels of crude oil per day, a large share of which goes to Europe. As EU leaders gather to discuss the crisis, we call on people everywhere to boycott Russian oil now. Russian oil is funding the invasion of Ukraine and the murder of innocent people. We must cut off this funding at the source. This trade can and must be stopped through pressure brought by you, the consumer, on companies and governments.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Well, the weather has been shite here as they say  until mid-day when it cleared up and the parades were held, finally, in sunshine. There is little progress in the vineyard as the temps have been cold. 

Our lives are complicated as I've been helping Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland at the same time that my husband's mother is dying. Reconciling war and death are eating me up. It's hard to be positive about a vineyard in the interim. 

Meanwhile, Vitis Vanessa has woken up and is doing well in the polytunnel. As are the fruit trees - apple, peach and avocado. And Jenny the kiwi has started doing her thing. I've even started a peach and mango from seed and have bought a lemon and calamondin orange at Aldi. A bit of solace.

Now all I want is to be left alone to tend to my flock. 

Process for Integrating Ukrainian families

We now have experience with getting several families settled in Ireland. Here's what we've learned. It's best to set up a local action group with defined responsibilities so everyone does not duplicate roles. Set up a What's App group for coordinated communication. I will keep updating this page as we learn more. 

1. Social media is a critical means of ongoing communication with the Ukrainians arriving in Ireland and with their relatives at home. Their mobile service stops working at the border, but Facebook Messenger works everywhere (except Russia) with WiFi. So having WiFi at the accommodation is essential. The Facebook page for Ukrainians in Ireland is very helpful. 

2. Their devices use European two-pronged plugs so they will need multiple adapters from EU to Irish three-pronged for recharging devices ASAP. 

3. SIM cards (unlocked for calls to Ukraine) are the second thing they need. This enables them to communicate with community volunteers and family when they are outside the home without WiFi. An Post has started supplying free SIM cards to Ukrainian refugees.

4. They should immediately make an appointment with the local INTREO Office to register for a PPS number.  It takes a long time to fill out the forms. Pick them up in advance and fill them out before the appointment. PPS number enables access to all social and medical services. It also allows people to work.

5. Organise the community around them for transport. They don't have cars so they will need to get to shops, to interviews, to government offices, and to schools and churches. Spare bicycles can be handy in improving mobility. Access to public transport can be vital and needs to be explained. Consider organising a local transport minibus route. 

6. Ukrainians speak either Ukrainian or Russian, but they are by conviction wholly Ukrainian. Try to organize a translation capability for the community. 

7. Both the Church and the GAA can be great social and support links to families in the area. Ukrainians are mostly either Orthodox Christian or Byzantine rite Catholic and for the most part deeply religious. The Orthodox may not think they are allowed to attend services in the Roman Catholic parishes so they need to be invited. 

8. The schools have been remarkably supportive and welcoming. There has been no question about children attending the  National Schools and receiving full support in terms of books, bags and uniforms. We have even created a registration form in Ukrainian and English in Google docs which we will gladly share. iPads with Google Translate are really useful in the first days. A few cards that will help communicate needs like going to the toilet will help. 

9. Social Welfare payments will start Wednesday 16/03/22 at An Post office. Bring passport and letter with PPS number. (Be sure to write down your PPS numbers on a separate card first so you have them later.) Once signed up, the payments will come every month. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/abf3e-social-welfare-supports-for-ukrainian-citizens-arriving-in-ireland-under-the-temporary-protection-directive/  PSC cards are necessary for welfare payments. 

10. Medical cards are offered to Ukrainians in Ireland. The information about how to obtain medical cards will be updated here. 

11. Jobs are important for preserving self-esteem. The hospitality sector is in need of staff and has been interviewing Ukrainians who arrive and are able and willing to work, which is just about everyone, although some knowledge of English is required. Create a liaison, someone in the local business community, to forward resumes to local businesses. 

Assistance with a job search can be found here. 

12. Many businesses have offered donations of clothing and other supplies to refugees, many of whom arrive with just the clothes on their backs. Appoint a local contact for businesses that would like to contribute. 

13. The Community Family Resource Centres have experience with support services like the translation of pamphlets with vital information and language courses for adults. Let them know what you need. Identify Ukrainians who have both English and Ukrainian skills to assist. 

14. People arriving in Ireland having fled the war in Ukraine can now travel to their final destination for free on Expressway and Bus Éireann services.  Also now train service is free for Ukrainian refugees.

15. English for beginners, for Ukrainians in Ireland with a Ukrainian-language teacher.

Beginners. Higher levels are possible, depending on demand
Classes will be held on zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 18.15 - 19.15 pm.
The first meeting is on Wednesday, March 16.
Welcome!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/5650921101...

Meeting ID: 565 092 1101

Passcode: hhxJ6g

16. Secondary schools are accepting students but require a bit more planning. School bus has to be arranged separately from the school and directly with the company providing bus service for insurance purposes. 

17. An Post will provide social welfare payments. You must come in person with your PPS letter and photo ID after the 5th of every month once registered. 

18. An Post will also provide money transfers between Ukraine and Ireland with fees waived for the first year. Also, they will provide a current bank account for refugees and free postage for letters and packages to Ukraine. https://www.facebook.com/120409074730549/posts/4628562977248447/. 

19. My Health, My Language  (added 09/11/22)

Find information about the public healthcare system and common health topics in your language.

About the Irish Health Service

The guide is in three parts;

• Part 1 gives information on how to access different types of health care, the services that are free, and how the GP, Pharmacy and hospital systems work.

• Part 2 gives information about specialist services (dental treatments, eye tests, hearing aids, vaccinations) and some of the staff you may meet in the health system.

• Part 3 advises what to do in an emergency.

20. HSE Directory of resources 

Useful websites:

Ukrainian Crisis Centre in Ireland

Irish Red Cross

Ukraine Take Shelter

Summon the Viking ancestry

Kyi, Shchek, Khoriv and Lybid found the city of Kiev, 482

Both of the capitals of Ukraine and Ireland were founded by Vikings. 

Ukraine by three brothers and their sister who sailed down the rivers until they found the perfect spot to found Kiev and Kievan Rus. It is said to have been established in 482 and Christianity reached it in 988.  

Dublin was founded by Vikings. They founded a new town on the south bank of the Liffey in 841. It was called Dubh Linn, which means black pool. The new town of Dublin was fortified with a ditch and an earth rampart with a wooden palisade on top. The Danes were slowly converted to Christianity and the first Bishop of Dublin was appointed in 1028. 

The Vikings are portrayed as fierce warriors in the western world. But in the Eastern world they are seen as smart, benevolent business people who created centres of trade and excellence. Perhaps Ukrainians have some of both chracteristics -- they want peace and prosperity and are willing to fight for it. 

Read about clinker-built Viking Ships and their routes. 

Putin strengthens NATO

Every morning I wake up and wonder if Kyiv is still standing. 

Putin's assault on Ukraine has done more to unite the NATO alliance than anything else could have. If anything, it has united the world to rally around Ukraine and against Russia. Putin is a monster. 

Meanwhile, Kharkiv is close to toppling as Kyiv and Lviv hold strong. The 40 km long column of Russian forces advancing toward Kyiv seems to be having difficulties with fuel and food supplies. Small wonder. They didn't expect to be there so long, did they. 

Yesterday, I placed two Ukrainian families soon to arrive here in Irish homes. I have had several more offers of homes and money available for refugees. It's going to be a tough year ahead. A woman who works in the refugee counselling agency for the Irish government is to call me later today. I will then have a formal ally to refer people to. Many thanks to all the volunteers who are doing extraordinary things to help fellow humans in need. 

Here's a page with some answers. 

War is not going Putin's way

The David and Goliath war. The Bible says David won. 

The war has been going for several days and Ukraine still has not given up. The main cities remain under Ukrainian control, civilians are taking up arms, the diaspora is coming home or supporting those fleeing. Some 500,000 have already crossed borders into Poland, Moldova, Bulgaria and the Chech Republic. The Polish have been enormously supportive and the world has rallied around Ukraine's cause chanting 'No War' even in Russia. Thousands hit the streets in cities around the world this weekend. 

Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian soldiers, and the Ukrainian people are being seen as heroes, dedicated to preserving their freedom and protecting their homeland. Ireland has opened its borders to Ukrainians wishing to enter who don't have a visa.  

I was hoping to offer accommodation in a friend's renovated CG station and help with transport and translation, but the place isn't fit for occupation just yet. I have donated money to Ukraine's fund for medical supplies, propagated fact-checked information, created a list of Russian-owned companies to avoid, and offered moral support where possible. I also prayed. And I cried - tears of sadness and of pride. 

Meanwhile, the sanctions have hit Russia hard. Russian currency lost 30% of its value today and the central bank doubled interest rates to prop it up. Everyone is dumping Russian assets. BP is dumping its share of Rosneft, Norway is dumping about $3 billion from its sovereign fund. Europeans are giving up their board seats and Russian-owned companies are exposed. Lukoil and Holland & Barrett are owned by Russian oligarchs and should be boycotted. 

Students and grannies are making Molotov cocktails to use against the Russian troops. It's their way of saying we don't want you here. 

Airspace over Europe has banned any Russian planes, including oligarch's private jets. Pretty soon Russians won't be able to go anywhere in the Western world. I'd say they won't be happy with Putin after this. 

Versions of history

https://twitter.com/i/status/1497189408113573890

Russian warships shelled Ukraine's Zmiinyi Island (Snake Island) in Black Sea in the Odesa region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said border guards on Snake Island in the Black Sea who shouted ‘go f*** yourself’ at Russian warship all "died heroically” as footage emerges on social media.

UAWire 

@uawire

Feb 25

Ukraine's Zmiinyi Island, Black Sea

Russians: This is a Russian warship. I ask you to put down weapons and surrender to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, otherwise, you’ll be bombed.

Ukrainians: Russian warship, go f**ck yourself.

All of them were killed.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1497120712909369345 

President Zelensky is the 13 soldiers killed rather than surrendering. Meanwhile, the Russians are circulating a video suggesting that 82 solders on that same island surrendered and asked to be returned back to Ukraine after signing a paper that they would not kill Russian soldiers. Right. 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1497547265501806599 

Russia claimed that these people are 82 Ukrainian soldiers from Zmiinyi (Snake) island, who gave up and asked to return them back to Ukraine for signing a document, which says they won’t fight against the Russian federation.

Heroyam Slava!

 

What it means to be Ukrainian today

Remember this image and this day: 24-02-2022

Even though I knew it would happen, I can honestly say that I truly hoped it wouldn't. Today, Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a full out assault from the North to Kharkiv, from Crimea to Odesa, and from Byelorus to Kyiv. The Associated Press reports that 40 people have been killed in the initial onslaught.  War is underway. 

My heart breaks for the people who finally had a chance to celebrate Ukrainian sovereignty. We woke up to a different Europe and a different world today. Everyone had thought that the war to end all wars did just that. But that didn't take Putin's madness into account. He is Stalin's disciple and wiping out the Ukrainian people would be his major goal. Stalin killed 40 million Ukrainians in the Holodomor. How many will Putin target?  He is not to be outdone. Putin is a madman. He is a murderer. He is a war criminal. 

Kyiv under attack

Remember this day: 24 February 2022. Solidarity with Ukraine. When will the world stand up to him?

https://twitter.com/i/status/1496799736744996866 

https://twitter.com/i/status/1496823374835818502

https://twitter.com/i/status/1496805284068700161

https://twitter.com/i/status/1496795404268146694

https://twitter.com/i/status/1496802459049549824

https://twitter.com/i/status/1496817380424617986

#Ukraine 🇺🇦: somewhere near #Kyiv a Ukrainian MiG-29 (low-flying) is taking on a Russian Su-35.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1496821171119079430

BBC Updates page: https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60454795 

False flag ops start in Donetsk

Russians claim a Ukrainian shell destroyed a private house and barn (Unoccupied) and call it attempted murder. The Russian backed separatists evacuate Russian-speaking citizens from the eastern region to Russia, claiming that Ukraine is about to attack. A Ukrainian-flagged tank is shown crossing a bridge, presumably into occupied territory. 

It has begun. 

Update: 22-02-22

Russia moved 'peacekeeping forces' into Donetsk and Luhansk and declared them independent of Ukraine. 

Putin's speech about Ukraine is rewriting history and showed just how much he hates Ukrainians. 

Munich Security Conference

VP Kamala Harris delivers a speech to the Conference. "Today I will deliver remarks at the Munich Security Conference on how the United States, our allies, and our partners are demonstrating strength and unity in the face of Russian aggression."

She was clear, concise and direct. She was accompanied by a bipartisan team from Congress to uphold the US commitment to Ukraine. She did so out of duty and responsibility representing the United States and NATO.

"We are 1) exposing the truth and 2) speaking with one voice."

"Their actions simply do not match their words."

"Everyone knows it takes much more to build something up than to tear it down."  

- Madam Vice President

This taking place as news media report escalating fighting in the East, Russian troop movements along the borders and Putin supervising a nuclear exercise.

At stake in Ukraine is humanity's history

So says Yuval Noah Harari writing for the Economist. In jeopardy is humanity’s greatest political achievement -- the decline of war. Does humanity repeat itself in perpetuity or can humans really change? I don't know what his bottom line is because I do not subscribe to the magazine, but my sense is that no, humanity cannot change. There will always be the autocrats and narcissists who believe they are better than everyone else and, therefore, they deserve to control it all. 

People have been questioning the role of NATO as Ukraine is not in it, but has expressed a desire to be. Without NATO behind Ukraine, Russia could just waltz right in. But Ukraine doesn't have to be part of NATO for NATO to defend her. Ukraine touches on the borders of several NATO countries. In defending Ukraine's right to sovereignty, they would be defending their own members' borders. Who is to say Putin would stop with Ukraine? 

Why Ukraine matters has been making its way around the internet. What follows is what I saw posted anonymously. 

For those who ask: "Why does Ukraine matter?"

This is why Ukraine matters. 

It is the second-largest country by area in Europe by area and has a population of over 40 million - more than Poland.

Minerals: 

Ukraine ranks:

• 1st in Europe in proven recoverable reserves of uranium ores;
• 2nd place in Europe and 10th place in the world in terms of titanium ore reserves;
• 2nd place in the world in terms of explored reserves of manganese ores (2.3 billion tons, or 12% of the world's reserves);
• 2nd largest iron ore reserves in the world (30 billion tons);
• 2nd place in Europe in terms of mercury ore reserves;
• 3rd place in Europe (13th place in the world) in shale gas reserves (22 trillion cubic meters)
• 4th in the world by the total value of natural resources;
• 7th place in the world in coal reserves (33.9 billion tons)

Ukraine is an important agricultural country:  

• 1st in Europe in terms of arable land area;
• 3rd place in the world by the area of black soil (25% of world's volume);
• 1st place in the world in exports of sunflower and sunflower oil;
• 2nd place in the world in barley production and 4th place in barley exports;
• 3rd largest producer and 4th largest exporter of corn in the world;
• 4th largest producer of potatoes in the world;
• 5th largest rye producer in the world;
• 5th place in the world in bee production (75,000 tons);
• 8th place in the world in wheat exports;
• 9th place in the world in the production of chicken eggs;
• 16th place in the world in cheese exports.

Ukraine can meet the food needs of 600 million people.

Ukraine is an important industrialised country:

• 1st in Europe in ammonia production;
• Europe's 2nd and the world’s 4th largest natural gas pipeline system;
• 3rd largest in Europe and 8th largest in the world in terms of installed capacity of nuclear power plants;
• 3rd place in Europe and 11th in the world in terms of rail network length (21,700 km);
• 3rd place in the world (after the U.S. and France) in production of locators and locating equipment;
• 3rd largest iron exporter in the world
• 4th largest exporter of turbines for nuclear power plants in the world;
• 4th world's largest manufacturer of rocket launchers;
• 4th place in the world in clay exports
• 4th place in the world in titanium exports
• 8th place in the world in exports of ores and concentrates;
• 9th place in the world in exports of defence industry products;
• 10th largest steel producer in the world (32.4 million tons).

Ukraine matters! That is why its independence is important to the rest of the world!

Wikipedia appears to support these claims. 

Here's the OEC profile of Ukraine's exports. 

Here's the EU-Ukraine trade profile. 

Ukrainian Movies

It's strange that Ukraine is in the headlines daily. In my childhood, no one had ever heard of Ukraine and we'd never have seen anything on TV, or even had a glimpse of a Ukrainian flag in the media. Not until the wall fell and Oksana Baiul hit the Olympics with a bang, winning gold in the winter olympics in figure skating. To see the Ukrainian flag rise up the pole and hear Sche ne vmerla Ukraina was astounding. We all bawled our eyes out. 

And with that invisibility of Ukraine, I'd never heard anything about any Ukrainian movies so I was happy to come across an article about the five best Ukrainian movies. Here are the five I will attempt to watch, all available on YouTube:

• My Thoughts Are Silent / Мої думки тихі  (2019)
• The Guide  (2016 Capital Ukrainian Festival)
• Feathered Dreams / Легкая, как перышко (2012)
• Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965)
• Man With a Movie Camera / Человек с Аппаратом (1929)

Putin's Yacht Escapes EU

Putin's 82-metre €87m superyacht Graceful has made a rapid getaway from a yard doing refits in Germany and retreated to Russia without completing the work. Apparently, Putin was afraid of the yacht being impounded if harsh sanctions were to be imposed. Does that indicate he plans an imminent invasion of Ukraine? We shall soon know. 

Here's more on the story. 

A cold war

The US is sending troops to Europe and the EU starts defusing the disinformation campaign spawned by Russia. Meanwhile, the NY Times is keeping tabs on the deepening rift between the US and Russia while Putin sidles up to Xi in Beijing. 

Can't we just revel in the Olympics and start living with Covid instead of worrying about WWIII. Perhaps the chicken found infiltrating the Pentagon will be tried for spying. That will take our minds off things. 

Calling Putin's Bluff

The Russian fleet has backed down from live ammo exercises off the Irish Coast, Antony Blinken delivered the US diplomatic position on Russia's demands, and several countries have stepped up the supply of weapons and expertise to Ukraine. All this means that Putin's gamble has not paid off. But is he willing to retreat?  That we shall see. 

A NY Times editorial by Yulia Latynina seems to think he has lost his gamble. 

Extraordinary times

Don't panic. Organise. 

It's been interesting. Russia massing troops on Ukraine's borders. The US releasing intelligence information to foil Russia's disinformation campaigns and wag the dog tactics. The US calling their bluff and tactics to set up a puppet government. Read all about it. 

Then, the Russians announce taking their fleet on live ammo manoeuvres in Irish waters. They say they have every right to these exercises but the fishermen don't like it and won't take it sitting down. The government has issued a marine notice. 

What a wild time, all in a pandemic moment when the omicron variant is travelling like a tsunami around the world. 

Be afraid

A map shows the Russia build-up near the Ukraine border.

Today, what it means to be Ukrainian is to be afraid. It has been clear for some time that Putin is going to invade Ukraine. He took Crimea to have a Black Sea Port. He marched into Donbas to get a foothold and an excuse to rescue the Russain-speakers. He caused trouble in Byelorus to wag the dog. He sent troops to Kazakhstan on a peacekeeping mission. Except Russia is notorious for sending in troops under the guise of peacekeeping that continue on to establish a permanent presence in the host countries. He has warned that Ukraine may not join NATO and the US and EU should not interfere. 

Today, he mounted a cyberattack on Ukraine's government computer systems. More troops are massing on the northern and southern borders now. 

And the US has accused Russia of sending saboteurs into Ukraine to stage “a false-flag operation” that would create a pretext for Moscow to invade. That's his style. A Russian analyst says Ukraine is Putin's last stand in keeping NATO away from its borders.