To the editor: As a Ukrainian dwelling in Los Angeles, I want this letter by no means needed to be written.
In February 2022, when Russia had began its full-scale assault on Ukraine’s existence, I wrote a letter to the L.A. Times about “Shchedryk” (often called “Carol of the Bells” in a lot of the world) casting the track by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych as not solely my homeland’s cry for assist, but additionally a beacon of hope. I feel again to that model of myself, and I can’t relate to her.
As we speak, my smartwatch notifies me of air-raid alerts in cities the place my family members reside. The horrific “ping” sends me to googling to seek out out what occurred. Are these “simply” drones, or is it a ballistic missile assault? If it’s the previous, are they Kinzhal or Iskander missiles?
My 2025 self is aware of so many army phrases, but I lack easy phrases to speak about emotions — to reply the query, “How have you ever been?” from non-Ukrainians.
However because you requested, I’m high-quality. It’s simply that my cousin is presently on the entrance line. I name him “Little One.” He’s two years youthful than me, however he put collectively a will a number of months in the past. Little One has a will.
Just a few days in the past, he texted me again after not responding for a month. That was a very good day.
Shortly after I heard from Little One, there was an enormous assault on Odesa. My different cousin and his 2-year-old daughter reside there. He’s an engineer who works for the native fuel firm. He responded that they have been high-quality.
However final New Yr’s Eve, he was on the road throughout an assault on Odesa. A missile from briefly occupied Crimea actually handed above his head. His 14-year-old neighbor was killed.
There’s all the time somebody in my homeland who’s dying. I really feel I don’t should be requested, “How are you?”
However to present folks the courtesy of a solution, I’m armed with devastating photos on my telephone. I nonetheless lack phrases. How do I clarify to non-Ukrainians that this might be actually the final struggle, the final peaceable days on Earth if there isn’t any justice for Ukraine?
I want I might convey you the hope of “Shchedryk.” However this time, all I’ve are notifications from air-raid alerts.
Victoria Pidlisetska, Los Angeles
