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.