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https://theconversation.com/as-the-air-raid-sirens-sound-i-am-studying-ukrainian-culture-with-new-fervour-im-far-from-alone-224508>
"I’m an Australian-Ukrainian researcher and I moved back to Kyiv from Sydney in
2022 after the full-scale Russian invasion. My life in a war zone has given me
the chance to witness firsthand Russia’s brutality and Ukraine’s limitless
bravery.
In late 2022, Russians began targeting critical infrastructure in major cities.
Many residents were left without access to electricity, heat and water. My
cousins spent most of their school days in shelters.
I spent many winter nights writing my dissertation by candlelight, while
searching for Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots and hot meals for my grandma and
mother. The sounds of air-raid sirens and missile explosions were as ubiquitous
as the sounds of birds chirping in Australia.
In the past year, Russian attacks on large cities have intensified in frequency
and volume. Last month, for example, my family woke to a massive explosion. The
impact of the missile was so close that my bedroom walls were shaking.
I ran outside to witness the horrendous scene. An apartment building just next
to ours was engulfed by flames. Shocked residents were covered in soot,
clenching their cats and dogs while watching their homes burn.
Four people died in the strike. A few days later, Anastasiya Nosova, the
godmother of a friend who lived in the building, died in intensive care. On
March 6, Anastasiya’s father Yurii also died, becoming the sixth victim of the
attack."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
