A Song For Ukraine
I’ve never been short of a word or two, but, like most people, I’m struggling to find words to convey how I feel about the tragedy that’s unfolding in Ukraine at the moment. We are seeing a situation develop that we all hoped had been confined to the dustbin of history, but here we are again with another megalomaniac who thinks it’s ok to kill innocent people in an unprovoked and unwarranted attack on an independent sovereign state whose people just want to live in a free and democratic world.
Let’s not forget that the world isn’t at war with Russia, but at war with Vladimir Putin and his accomplices, and in case anybody thinks that the free world isn’t doing enough, just remember the words of Albert Einstein who said “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones”. It’s a time for those who are having to make tough decisions to hold their nerve and bring an end to the misery that this man is inflicting on the brave Ukrainian people.
Russia has already been kicked out of many international events including the Eurovision Song Contest. The song above was to be Ukraine’s entry this year, but the artist fell foul of the organisers by visiting The Crimea, which until 2014 was Ukrainian and now under Russian control. Kalush Orchestra, who came second in the Ukrainian vote is now going to represent the country in Turin after Alina Pash agreed to step down, but it’s a shame in a way because I feel that this song better represents the moment. Tini zabutykh predkiv means ‘Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors’ in English, and describes Ukrainian history in war and peace, with references to Dante’s Divine Comedy. It ends with a message that peace is the only way out and that Ukraine can have a brighter future – but the song was released before Putin’s barbaric intervention.
I’m dedicating this post to Victor Khorishko and his family who had to flee Luhansk in 2014 and are now facing a similar threat in Severodonetsk. Please stay safe my friend. 🇺🇦
The featured image is courtesy of Reuters
POSTED – MARCH 2022
Originally posted 2022-03-02 16:51:20.
It is all just too terrible. Explaining it and discussing it with my children 17 and 19, is beyond depressing. What a world we live in.
I’ve no doubt that there are experts out there trying to find a way to capture Putin and try him in the International Court of Justice. That’s the civilized way of dealing with it, but he’ll probably be dead before they can convict him. I’d rather see him get a dose of his own Novichock before any more innocent lives are lost – but even that’s too good for him. Of course, it’s not something I would normally advocate, but I’ll happily make an exception in this case.
Can’t disagree with any of that.
Thank you Stephen.
Impotent is right! Thanks for bringing the song and its performance to my attention, Malc.
And thank you for taking a look Jo. These are worrying times – and for no real reason
Once again… a perfect post. There are sooooo many angles to look at this and there is one simple fact _ just be good to each other. Help each other. If you aren’t doing that, then don’t do it. I am encouraged by the fact that social media is putting light on what is really going on. It much harder to “brain wash” citizens when you get feedback from the world. I pray that this is a signal that pure brutality will not be tolerated in this world.
Thank you Henry. Your comment says it all. I really hope that wise heads in the democratic world prevail and that the man who portrays to be the leader of the Russian people ends up in a place where they can revile him forever.
You’ve said it all and you’ve said it perfectly Malc. It’s incredible that this tyrant should be breathing our same air.
Absolutely Francesc. I can’t help but look at the difference between Putin and the Ukrainian President.
One is a tyrannical brute dictator, the other one is shaping up to become a hero…
I couldn’t agree more Francesc
Brilliant, Malc.
That you Pat. It’s an absolute tragedy for the Ukrainian people – and the rest of the world too.
Another superbly crafted post, Malc, with sentiments we all echo. Yet again you’ve eloquently expressed what so many people are feeling about this insane and profoundly disturbing situation. As if the world hasn’t had enough to deal with over the past few years, we now have to witness one man’s sickening attack on a neighbouring country fuelled by self-aggrandisement and hubris. In today’s supposedly civilised world, this kind of unprovoked barbaric behaviour simply shouldn’t be tolerated.
I can see exactly what you mean about Alina Pash’s song – it’s really powerful, unique and really strikes a chord. Despite the fact she won’t be singing at Turin, I’ll certainly be listening to Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors again and again.
My heart goes out to Viktor and his family, and to all the brave citizens of Ukraine, and my thoughts will remain with them until Putin and his black-hearted, brutal ambitions are history. May that day soon come.
As always Alli, your reply is so encouraging. I hesitated to write this post because I would rather my blogs be uplifting or nostalgic, but I couldn’t help myself. I was sat here reading about our local council’s wish to improve the recycling system to help save the planet, and in the next breath I’m reading about how Putin is trying his best to destroy it. Thank you so much for your support. 🙏
I know, I’m not sure the world has ever been more insane. As for support, you’re very welcome. Credit where it’s due. 🙂
Thanks again Alli. Hope the move is going along according to plan by the way 🙂
In limbo at the moment until the house sells. I hate this bit of a move. 😔
At least the wheels are in motion 🙂
True. Fingers crossed they speed up soon. 🙂
🤞
You have my admiration, Malc, for making such a strong stand and for the poignant quote!
Joanna
Thank you Joanna. I felt I needed to say something about the situation because I feel so impotent at what is going on.
😢🌈😢
Fascinating story, Malc. I hope this can end well, but wishing and hoping and thinking and praying to paraphrase Dion Warwick will not get us into Vlad’s heart (assuming he has one). But at least it is something.
We can but hope Pat!
We’re all thinking of Victor and his family. And there’s Inga too, another VTer living in Kyiv – goodness knows what she’s going through right now.
Absolutely! It doesn’t bear thinking about. All we can do is offer moral support, but it hardly seems enough