Ukraine Invasion: The Unknown is our Reality, part two

“Grisha, you said a sergeant told you, ‘You are going to Crimea.’ I don’t think you or I are. We are headed for Ukraine’s capital Kyiv.”

“Don’t think too much, Boris. Trouble may be too close.”

“Grisha, the convoy we ride in is usually stalled. We have little food. We stare at 40 miles of armored vehicles, Russian tanks, troops, and artillery. Sometimes I see smoke at a distance. What is it from? What do you think? Are we going to attack Kyiv? Is Russia at war with Ukraine? I heard that this gigantic convoy is on a peace-keeping mission.”

“I hope it is.”

Boris walked off. I began a silent talk with myself.

“I know I heard an officer say, ‘Most of the soldiers do not know we are going to attack Kyiv.’

“I like Ukraine. My cousins and I explore it east, west, north, and south by buses, boats, planes, and trains. Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa are beautiful. This is the biggest country in Europe, except Russia. I do not want it destroyed!”

“I wish I had new information about our Russian mission. I know we are inching closer to Kyiv. The convoy has been attacked successfully by Ukrainian anti-tank Javelin missiles. One can be carried and fired by one soldier.

“War with Russia will be brutal. My father told me Russia can use chemical warfare. Russia also has nuclear weapons, can attack nuclear power plants, terrorize large cities, put them under siege, and use conventional ground weapons. Will any country or group of nations be able to stop such a horrific arsenal? I wish I could trust my country’s president.”

Away from Grisha and his questions, people in many countries are asking about the war. I, an American, am deeply disturbed.

Early in the morning and late at night I see and hear examples of President Putin’s ease in lying to his people and the world. He apparently has no conscience about killing Ukrainian soldiers or civilians, babies or adults, crippled, hospitalized or anyone who slows his way to taking control of Ukraine.

I see Ukrainian families separated so men can fight for their country. In twelve days two million Ukrainians have become refugees. People in foreign countries are opening their homes and hearts to refugees.