Ukraina SOS Vol. 5 - April 21
Is this genocide?, Meduza, real Russian public opinion, Anya and Olha's art debut, and more
Welcome to Volume 5 of Ukraina SOS, a guide for how to help and what to read/watch/follow in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A Tale of Ten Thousand Letters
My cousin’s daughters Anya and Olha are so impressive: They speak five languages and are excellent students, doting dog owners, and talented dancers. Not yet 14, they have also beaten me to publishing their first book. After being named the joint winners of an art contest in their town of Truskavets, Ukraine, a few years ago, Anya and Olha were invited to create the illustrations for A Tale of Ten Thousand Letters, a new children’s book by Ukrainian poet Dzvinka Torokhtyshko. They spent their first pandemic summer making the illustrations. The book was published earlier this month.
Like so many Ukrainian kids, Anya and Olha have had to leave Ukraine because of the war. They want to do everything they can to help their country. Please buy the book, rate it on Amazon (good reviews drive traffic), and spread the word. The book includes an English translation. All proceeds go to the Ukrainian army.
Other Ways to Help
Buy a print from a leading Ukrainian photographer by April 29 via Bird in Flight’s charity sale
Donate to leading Ukrainian art gallery Asortymentna Kimnata, which is organizing the preservation and evacuation of artworks across Ukraine
Donate to a fundraiser for Ukrainian female photographers
Donate to the local Ukrainian nonprofit Voices of Children, which is providing psychosocial and humanitarian assistance to Ukrainian children
Volunteer to help archive Ukrainian cultural heritage online
A reminder that my master list of ways to help is here.
Is This Genocide?
Yes, concludes John Hopkins political scientist Eugene Finkel. If this comes as a surprise, read this shocking article recently published in Russian state media that makes a detailed case for the genocide of Ukrainians. A few days after it was published, former Russian prime minister and current deputy chair of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev echoed its arguments.
What to Read/Watch/Follow Etc.
Meduza is the best independent news source on Russia. Now operating from Latvia, it sends out a daily English-language newsletter that I find very helpful.
Fear of reprisal means that public opinion polls in Russia are garbage, but a recent LSE study used an ingenious method to smoke out people’s real preferences. Their takeaway: the majority of Russians really do support the war.
Yale historian Timothy Snyder explains how Ukrainians became “Nazis” in Putin’s Russia
The ever-excellent Masha Gessen wrote about Ukrainian efforts to commemorate the Holocaust massacre at Babyn Yar in Kyiv in the midst of this war
John-Paul Himka, my favorite historian of Ukraine, recently published a useful overview of Ukrainian history, which you can read in about an hour
I enjoyed this slice of 20th century Ukrainian-American life from New York magazine
Feisty Babushkas - Archival edition
The Polyphony Project has crisscrossed Ukraine in recent years recording the folk music ensembles in the country’s towns and villages. I’ve long loved the off-the-cuff interview below with a group of singers. If you ever wanted an introduction to the spirit of the Ukrainian babushka (and who wouldn’t?), this interview is it.
Quote of the Moment
Megan Heads to Poland 🇵🇱
In a few days, I am heading to Poland and Italy for two weeks to see family members who have left Ukraine, write about the Ukrainian refugee experience, and add a new last chapter to my forthcoming book. I will share my experiences with you in my next newsletter!