Editors Note: Viktoriya Magid is a Ukrainian born psychologist whose private practice is located in Mount Pleasant. We deeply appreciate her writing this story. To protect the people mentioned in this article, we are redacting last names.
As of this writing, it’s hard to believe that it’s been ten days since the children of Ukraine woke up unafraid, in their own beds, knowing what the day, the week, will bring — ten days since the freedom of my country, my people have been violently put into question. Ten days since my conversations with my dear childhood friends and loved ones have been about vacations, new jobs, relationships, and plans for the future. With the invasion of Ukraine, the world has turned upside down and as the shock is slowly dissipating, the reality is beginning to set in.
The frontline fighter
Having lived in Ukraine until the age of 18, I still have many friends in various parts of the country. My dear friend, Dimitri, age 41, has recently enlisted as a volunteer for the front lines. Unfortunately, he is familiar with war — he fought to protect Ukraine during a much-less publicized conflict with Russia in 2014. He and I were born in Kherson — a southern city on the Dnieper River, which was the first significant city to fall since the Russian invasion.
Dimitri wrote to me this morning: “They just came in and started shooting at innocent people. People who simply didn’t have a chance to run off the streets and hide. They were shooting at everything that moved. The day Kherson fell, 200 civilians were killed or wounded.” He continued to say that the greatest current need is ammo and medications. “Overall, if I’m honest, it’s pretty awful. But we aren’t afraid. We are ready to fight for our land. The Russians have been hitting us pretty hard lately, but that just gives us more resolve to fight back — because we all feel so deeply proud of our people and how strong our nation has been.”
He also shared that he had not changed or taken his shoes off in three days. “I’ll be ready for them,” he said with conviction.
Living a mother’s nightmare
Another dear childhood friend, Elena, age 42, has fled Odesa on the second day of the Russian invasion with her husband and four children. Odesa is known as the “pearl of the Back Sea” or the “South Capitol.” It’s a beautiful, historic city much like Charleston.
Elena texted me on the first day. “We can hear the bombs! I am so scared!” Since then, the family has been hiding in a nearby village where things seemed safe at the time. But as the hours kept ticking, she said it was becoming more and more clear this is an invasion of massive proportions and there is no hiding.
“I just don’t know what to do”, she said over the phone the other day. Crying and whispering, so as to not panic her little ones, “If we stay, we will likely get trapped here … I know the tanks just keep coming and so many roads are blocked already. If we leave, how can I do it? Alone with four kids, across the border? They won’t let (her husband) come with us … I am so scared, and I just don’t know what the right thing to do is.” Elena’s husband, falls in the category of those men who are of the fighting age of 18-60 and are not allowed to leave the country in case their help may be needed to defend the land. Elena feels helpless, stuck in a mother’s nightmare.
“We will win because we know who we protect”
Lviv, which is the largest city in western Ukraine is quiet tonight, said my friend Peter, age 43. Lviv has been mostly spared thus far, as the Russian troops have not fully advanced to the west. A civilian volunteer who is ready to defend his country, Peter said he feels prepared.
When I asked him about his wife and two small daughters, he responded vaguely. “They are safe.” I know all too well the need to speak in code when it comes to the Russian regime; he doesn’t want his wife and kids to be found. “We are ready,” said Peter, referring to his friends and neighbors. “We are armed, walking the perimeter, taking turns day and night, so we don’t miss the enemy.” Peter said he feels cool, calm and collected. He said panic is not helpful. He told me if someone wants to support Ukraine, to do it with a positive and supportive word, not the words that spread fear, panic and despair. Or better yet — give material help and donations, he said, not words. “We will win because we know who we protect,” Peter said, referring to his little girls and the children of Ukraine.
These are some of the faces of the brave people of Ukraine. They need our united support. Their fight is the fight of the free world against the tyranny of totalitarian suppression. In just a few days, my dear friends Donna Friedman, Jonathan Diorio, Alice Kendall and Patty Scarafile have raised over $6,000 for our friends in Ukraine. We will continue with our efforts, and we are asking that you do too. Below is a list of reputable organizations that accept donations.
Additionally, there are some creative ways to help, such as renting an Airbnb in Ukraine and simply telling the Airbnb owner that you’re not coming. The owner will get paid. Most Airbnbs are being used to house those who have lost their homes, and this can help offset the expenses. Buying items on Etsy from Ukrainian people and noting you don’t need the item, will also go directly in the hands of the people.
Most people are not able to work under the current conditions, so they have little or no income. Any way you can help, you will be saving lives. Euro Foods at 1664 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, is currently accepting items to help the front lines, such as blankets, socks and toiletries (go to their website eurofoodsbakeryandcafe.com for a complete list of needed items).
Today, we stand with the people of Ukraine. We stand with the people across the world who have made their choice — that freedom, human decency, courage and the love for your country are the values they will not give up or exchange even for a personal benefit. Today we are all reminded what is true, what is real, what is worth fighting for. Glory to Ukraine and thank you for your support!
Other ways to help:
To support the Ukrainian Military directly, the National Bank of Ukraine has established a special donation account specifically to support troops and equipment purchases.
Paint Against Putin – Charleston’s Deckman Studio is hosting a fundraiser for Ukrainian relief from 6-9 p.m., March 26, with a live painting event and silent art auction.
UNICEF USA – UNICEF is supporting health, nutrition, HIV prevention, education, water, sanitation and more.
Doctors Without Borders – DWB is involved in a range of activities with local volunteers, organizations, health care professionals and authorities to aid in travel to and from health care facilities.
Voices of Children – VoC is a Ukraine-based Charitable Foundation helping to provide mental health support to children.
Red Cross – However possible, the American Red Cross is supporting the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross.
International Medical Corps – IMC, a global nonprofit, has been delivering primary health care and mental health services in Eastern Ukraine for nearly a decade. It’s now raising funds to expand those services.
Water Mission – Charleston nonprofit Water Mission has sent a crew to Europe to assist displaced Ukrainian families have greater access to clean drinking water.
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