Skies filled with columns of smoke, domestic buildings blackened by flames and rubble strewn across neighborhood streets; families torn apart as women and children flee to neighboring countries in hopes of safety, a man collapsed on his son’s body covered in a bloodied white sheet, overcome by grief.
All of these images and more have been all over the news as the Russian invasion continues full steam for over a week now with no tangible end in sight. Each day brings with it new and gruesome glimpses into the turmoil of the war being waged thousands of miles away from us.
They’re all ideas, concepts that I never thought I would see in my lifetime except between the covers of a history book or during a Google search about wars come and gone. Still yet, I can’t even wrap my head around what the people of Ukraine are being exposed to on a daily basis as their homeland is invaded by enemy forces.
It is beyond my comprehension to think that, as I conduct the mundane and familiar actions of my day, people in Ukraine are sheltering from bombshells, saying goodbye to loved ones on train station platforms – not knowing if they’ll be able to reunite again - and fighting for their lives and freedoms. As I settle in the evenings after work and before bed, the people in Kyiv are not afforded that same comfort. They are trying to survive, to stay safe in the middle of a warzone.
My heart breaks for the individuals and families experiencing the rigors of the war and my thoughts return to the people of Ukraine often throughout the day. It has thrown into perspective how privileged we are as Americans that our freedoms are seldom challenged, but it all feels somewhat unfair - unfair that we can continue in normalcy while people fight for their lives. I suppose that’s something that has always been happening to some extent, but we were never quite as aware of it as we are in this moment.
War was something that I thought modern societies had largely moved past, especially those of greater scale such as the one taking place between Russia and Ukraine. It seemed like many other uncomfortable parts of history that have passed, never to be seen again as everyone agreed it befitted no one.
Sadly, greed and a drive for power at the cost of lives both military and civilian appears to be alive and well even today – that much has become readily apparent.
I hope that the bloodshed will soon end and that some resolution will take place so the people of Ukraine can begin to piece their lives back together again. Until then, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the war.
Standard reporter Nikki Childers can be reached at 473-2191.
