That's what I immediately noticed. What I did not immediately notice is that it's actually in Ukrainian. I instantly grasped the meaning without noticing different spelling.
I also noticed (later) that the calendar has the month name on top. In Ukrainian. Ukrainian months names always frustrated me, since they are Slavic, and I have no idea what they mean (except for three or so that I know for sure, mostly because so many places were named after Soviet holidays like May 1). In Russian the month names are basically Latin, so even Westerners can figure them out easily, e.g. Mart, Aprel, Mai...
Yeah, I can often narrow it down to two possible months, but getting the exact one is not always easy, especially given that I grew up way north from Ukraine, where the same things in nature happen weeks later or earlier.
Phillips do you know the author P.W. Singer? He wrote two very interesting books a while back (Wired for War and LikeWar) that are relevant to what is happening today and it occurred to me that it might be very interesting to see if you could interview him to get his current thoughts on these topics.
Yes it helps contrast the Russian expansionist genocidal barbarism with the Ukrainian determination to survive and thrive in their own beautiful country.
Thank you for this, it was a wonderful read, juxtaposing the richness and history of a beautiful city with the terror and awfulness of this Russian aggression, but ending on a contemplative note that leaves me feeling hopeful.
Thank you, Phillips, for bringing us the beauty and horror that now resides in Chernihiv. The beauty is one of the reasons Ukrainians fight and the horror must be preserved so that those who committed war crimes eventually receive justice, one way or another. Over 600 religious sites in Ukraine have been deliberately destroyed by russia during the war as a way to erase Ukrainian identity and further demoralize its citizens. But Ukrainians understand, you can damage buildings, you can kill civilians but you can never destroy our spirit. As Voltaire wrote in 1731, "Ukraine has always desired to be free."
Dr. O'Brien, This was a very moving essay. Thank you. You caused me to hope that I will be alive to witness the end of Putin. I hope his end goes badly for him.
Phillips, beautiful story. It would be wonderful if everyone in Russia could read it. Since it is an impossible wish, let's try to share it with others as much as possible...
What’s happening in Ukraine breaks my heart. At the same time seeing the Ukrainians struggle fills me with hope as they demonstrate that the idea of freedom and the necessity to fight for it is not dead. We must not let Trump and his fascist stooges succeed.
Mixed distress and joy over Ukraine today. We need to get the US focused back on the conflict and off Greenland. ICE is an existential problem that has to be addressed. They should be rolled up for their illegal actions. Terror has no place anywhere in the world.
As you wrote about Ukrainians being herded into windowless rooms I was reminded of Nazi horrors. Auschwitz torture chambers were built on similar principles, although they left only enough air for some. Savages Putin and Hitler.
Thank you.
No need to thank me for this--was a piece I had to write.
More people should see this and understand why Ukrainians fight for their country.
Really pleased that this piece had had this effect.
Family from Vinnytsia and Odesa.
Im sure their stories are similar
Will definitely visit. And for bringing this to a wider audience thank you.
Hopefully after Russia's war in Ukraine ends, many will visit not just out curiosity.
The more people who visit Chernihiv, the better!
Below that calendar on the door it says "31 - ours have come". This must mean the Ukrainian troops arrived there on March 31, 2022.
Yes well spotted--we were shown around by one of the prisoners.
Ruth Windle:
Thank you, Andrew, for drawing my attention to “31 - ours have come”. I wept. And thank you, Phillips, for this profoundly moving post.
That's what I immediately noticed. What I did not immediately notice is that it's actually in Ukrainian. I instantly grasped the meaning without noticing different spelling.
Ruth Windle:
Andrew, I was particularly glad to read it in Ukrainian and to know that they were free to speak own language.
I also noticed (later) that the calendar has the month name on top. In Ukrainian. Ukrainian months names always frustrated me, since they are Slavic, and I have no idea what they mean (except for three or so that I know for sure, mostly because so many places were named after Soviet holidays like May 1). In Russian the month names are basically Latin, so even Westerners can figure them out easily, e.g. Mart, Aprel, Mai...
Ruth Windle:
Andrew, Березень (March), the month on the calendar, is for when the birches start budding and the sap starts flowing.
Yeah, I can often narrow it down to two possible months, but getting the exact one is not always easy, especially given that I grew up way north from Ukraine, where the same things in nature happen weeks later or earlier.
Appreciate that Ruth
Heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
Thanks Lou
Thanks to you Phillips for keeping the truth of this situation in focus and for helping assemble a nice informed community of followers here.
It is a great group here.
Phillips do you know the author P.W. Singer? He wrote two very interesting books a while back (Wired for War and LikeWar) that are relevant to what is happening today and it occurred to me that it might be very interesting to see if you could interview him to get his current thoughts on these topics.
Dont know him--will check out the books.
And extremely useful as well, putting a human face on the war and bringing the barbarism of the Russians to the fore.
Cannot shirk the barbarism
Yes it helps contrast the Russian expansionist genocidal barbarism with the Ukrainian determination to survive and thrive in their own beautiful country.
Thank you for this, it was a wonderful read, juxtaposing the richness and history of a beautiful city with the terror and awfulness of this Russian aggression, but ending on a contemplative note that leaves me feeling hopeful.
Hi Sharon--I really appreciate that summary. It means alot.
You are welcome. I always read you even if I rarely post x
Thank you, Phillips, for bringing us the beauty and horror that now resides in Chernihiv. The beauty is one of the reasons Ukrainians fight and the horror must be preserved so that those who committed war crimes eventually receive justice, one way or another. Over 600 religious sites in Ukraine have been deliberately destroyed by russia during the war as a way to erase Ukrainian identity and further demoralize its citizens. But Ukrainians understand, you can damage buildings, you can kill civilians but you can never destroy our spirit. As Voltaire wrote in 1731, "Ukraine has always desired to be free."
https://kyivindependent.com/over-600-religious-sites-destroyed-in-ukraine-since-start-of-russias-full-scale-war-zelensky-says/
Slava Ukraini!
Yes indeed--I know some important churches in Odesa have been deliberately targeted.
The summation, like the article, was excellent. A measure of hope is always heartening. Thank you.
Thanks Mark
Dr. O'Brien, This was a very moving essay. Thank you. You caused me to hope that I will be alive to witness the end of Putin. I hope his end goes badly for him.
We hope for the same things JP.
Phillips, beautiful story. It would be wonderful if everyone in Russia could read it. Since it is an impossible wish, let's try to share it with others as much as possible...
If a piece can have some impact, its worth writing.
What’s happening in Ukraine breaks my heart. At the same time seeing the Ukrainians struggle fills me with hope as they demonstrate that the idea of freedom and the necessity to fight for it is not dead. We must not let Trump and his fascist stooges succeed.
Agree with all this Harold
I visited Chernihiv in 1995 with my father. I agree that it’s a beautiful place where history is palpable. I’ll have to return someday…
Excellent
Mixed distress and joy over Ukraine today. We need to get the US focused back on the conflict and off Greenland. ICE is an existential problem that has to be addressed. They should be rolled up for their illegal actions. Terror has no place anywhere in the world.
As you wrote about Ukrainians being herded into windowless rooms I was reminded of Nazi horrors. Auschwitz torture chambers were built on similar principles, although they left only enough air for some. Savages Putin and Hitler.
Sadly, I do not think Trump cares at all about the people of Chernihiv or Ukraine.
Great article. So much to take in. Trying the coffee will be the first thing I will do when I visit Ukraine.
Ukrainian coffee is great--not for the faint of heart.
Definitely fosters my desire to discover Ukraine and it's culture!
Please go when you can.
Russia, Russia, Russia
sad but true