Relationships can be abusive. Some people are trapped in abusive relationships, not of their choosing, and are trapped because the other side is obsessed and won’t let go. That’s been happening between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine wants to be left alone, but Russia can’t accept that.
Russia has been an imperial power for centuries, whether czarist or soviet, expanding repeatedly, with Ukraine especially coveted. Without Ukraine, Russia’s empire is diminished. Putin wants empire, and must have Ukraine, and will destroy what he cannot have.
So Ukraine bravely fights, despite suffering shocking death and destruction. Yet it’s not just about Ukraine. Russia has caused suffering in Afghanistan, Chechnya, Georgia, Syria. Russia wants more, in Europe and now in Africa, and has cyberattacked many nations, including ours.
Ukraine has struggled for independence for centuries, enduring invasions from every compass point. In the last century, Ukraine tasted freedom for merely three years until 1991. Yet the people survive, preserving their cultural distinctions, including astonishing spirit.
One citizen-soldier was asked how have Ukrainians surprisingly been succeeding against Russian aggression, he smilingly answered: “Because we have muscles — and big, big hearts!” Yes, big, big hearts. And if there’s any justice in the world, those hearts will be free.
