Thank you for being part of our 2023: Letter from our editor-in-chief Olga Rudenko (Patreon)

Dear all,

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

I’m once again in your inbox – probably landing in between Boxing Day deals and holiday cards – to share a short message from Kyiv, Ukraine.

First, I want to thank you.

Whether you are a follower of Ukraine, an active reader of the Kyiv Independent, or one of our members – in your own way, you have been a big part of our year. For that, on behalf of our whole team – thank you!

I’m writing this at my desk in Kyiv. The newsroom is unusually quiet. Many team members are taking days off during the holidays. For some, it will be the first opportunity to rest in many months. Some are traveling to see their families, in and out of Ukraine. Others stubbornly work, refusing to slow down even during this time.

The holiday mood is hard to find these days. I know – I’ve tried. In fact, I’m wearing a pair of plush reindeer antlers as I’m writing this email. We have a Christmas tree in the corner of the newsroom, and a proper wreath hanging above the entrance. It doesn’t help much. Our minds are on other things.

Ukraine is wrapping up the second year of war, and it’s been a difficult one. Our counteroffensive didn’t reach its goals. The aid is delayed. We’ve lost so many people that everyone knows someone who’s been killed while fighting. No one is joking about vacationing in Crimea next summer. Instead, people talk of the large-scale mobilization approaching us.

Let me stop here to assure you I’m not trying to kill your holiday mood – quite the opposite.

Because amid this gloom, we’re not hopeless. After all, this is Ukraine. We’re bracing ourselves for a year of uncertainty – but also, a year of fighting.

As I’m writing this, I’m listening to two male colleagues discussing the high likelihood of getting drafted this coming year. They are developing a to-do list to be prepared: take shooting classes, learn how to operate a drone, take a first aid course. (One of our journalists is already at the front line – he has been fighting since the first day of the invasion.)

We may not have the holiday mood, but we had Christmas fireworks of sorts. Just a few days ago, Ukraine struck and destroyed a Russian warship in the occupied Crimea – another devastating blow to the Russian Black Sea fleet.

I think about how these gloomy days teach us to find hope and joy around us. Many times this year, you – our followers and supporters – were the reason that helped us find hope. Whenever we get a new member, donation, or a kind email – it’s helping us.

Thank you for all the light you’ve given us this year.

We will see you in 2024. May it be the year that brings victory. Happy Holidays!