On the brink of catastrophe — again: A letter from our chief editor. (Patreon)

Hello, dear reader,

This is Olga Rudenko, editor-in-chief of the Kyiv Independent. 

In a few days, we will be marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 

If you read the news, you know that we’re coming to it in a difficult, surreal state. Our key ally, led by Donald Trump’s new administration, is turning against us and is siding with our enemy, Russia. After three years of resistance that cost Ukraine lands and numerous lives, it seems like the invader can prevail after all. 

How do I begin to describe what it feels like here, on the ground?

First of all, it feels oddly similar to these very days three years ago. That anxious February of 2022, filled with a buildup to a disaster. We saw it coming closer but didn’t want to believe it would happen — it seemed so insane, impossible to imagine. A military invasion to take over a free country? Impossible. Just as impossible as it is to believe that the leader of the free world will side with the Russian dictator. And yet, it’s happening. 

Three years ago, late on the night of Feb. 23, I left the office around 3 a.m. with two other editors. Toma Istomina, the Kyiv Independent’s deputy chief editor, waved at me on her way to her taxi and jokingly said, “Well, I hope we will see each other tomorrow.” In two hours, Russia  started its invasion. Toma and I saw each other two months later. 

Today I’m writing this message to you at our office in Kyiv. Sitting across from me is Toma, frowned and focused, her curls pushed away by large headphones as she’s editing something urgent. Like three years ago, we are exchanging jokes to lift the mood. She has the driest sense of humor — a perfect fit for the times. 

The atmosphere is painfully similar to three years ago: defiance in the anticipation of a catastrophe.

But this time, despite the odds, I feel a bit more confident. Here’s why.

On the second day of the invasion in 2022, when it became clear that the Ukrainian military was fighting tooth and nail against the invaders, I wrote a short and emotional post on Facebook. It read: “No matter what happens next, our defenders have already won for us the feeling of dignity that will stay with us forever. Russians will never dream of having it.”

That’s the first reason that makes me feel stronger and more prepared for what comes next. I know the resilience of the Ukrainian people — the special internal strength that comes with the centuries of defying the odds, of surviving despite the forces that seek to eliminate you. I feel it in myself and in everyone around me — both in native Ukrainians and our allies who are here with us. That strength is something no one can take from us. Not even two of the most powerful leaders in the world working together. 

The second reason that makes me more confident in the future than I was three years ago is knowing that we don’t stand alone. Yes, presidents and leaders can try to sell us out, either for personal gains or out of sheer cowardice. But I know that there are many millions of people around the world who stand with Ukraine. They reach out, offer support, write letters. A lot of these letters start with: “I’m so ashamed that my country isn’t doing enough…” or a similar sentiment. 

In these three years, Ukraine’s supporters have shown what it means to truly stand up for what’s right. To show up. To fight. To show kindness. This war has made us see the worst side of humanity — but, it has also shown us the best. 

So whatever comes next, we have our strength and we have you. 

Let’s remember that this isn’t over. Ukraine keeps fighting. Today, when we finally wrap the day and go home, we will hear the air defense working — Russia’s drones have been attacking Kyiv every night this week. We will publish the last stories of the day from our bathrooms, the safest place during an attack. Nothing is stopping here. 

The Kyiv Independent’s team is staying on the ground in Ukraine to bring you the truth about what’s happening here — as we have been for three years. 

We can do it thanks to you. Our readers' contributions make up the majority of our funding. Thank you for standing with the Kyiv Independent — your support helps us keep going. 

Thank you,

Olga RudenkoEditor-in-ChiefThe Kyiv Independent