The most poignant stories coming out of Ukraine
From births in bomb shelters to Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s resistance
The people of Ukraine have had their lives rocked by the Russian invasion launched last week. Around 386,000 people are believed to have already fled their homes and at least 100 civilians have been killed, with the real figure feared to be “considerably higher”, according to the UN.
“In the last days the world has witnessed awe-inspiring displays of bravery and heroism from the Ukrainian people in response to those who seek to obliterate their freedom by force,” said the UK’s prime minister Boris Johnson in a statement last night.
Here are just some of the stories coming out of the war-torn nation.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Births in bomb shelters
Amid the “chaos and destruction wreaked from missiles landing on the city of Kyiv”, a number of “‘miracle’ births have given many a cause for hope”, reported ITV News on Saturday. Hannah Hopko, chair of the Democracy in Action Conference, shared a picture of one new mother with her baby Mia, born in an underground bomb shelter.
The Kyiv Independent estimated that at least six babies had been born in the country’s bomb shelters, including a metro station and others in maternity hospital shelters.
‘Tank man’ of Ukraine
Video footage of a man kneeling in front of a Russian tank outside the city of Bakhmach went viral at the weekend, prompting comparisons to the “tank man” of Tiananmen Square. The “brave Ukrainian” tried to block the convoy of several tanks “with just his hands”, pushing one until it came to a complete stop, described The Independent. He then knelt on the ground before a number of people pulled him away.
In a separate clip, shared by Ukrainian news outlet HB, another man was seen standing in front of military vehicles as they swerved around him, reported The Guardian.
Families separating
Some of the most heartbreaking scenes in Ukraine have been of fathers bidding farewell to their children evacuating the country. The border agency has banned men aged 18 to 60 from leaving. One video captured a “sobbing Ukrainian father” saying goodbye to his daughter as she left with her mother, “exiting the country for at least the foreseeable future”, said the Daily Mail. The clip “gives a horrific glimpse into how the Eastern European conflict is tearing families apart”, said the New York Post.
Molotov park meeting
The BBC recorded a surreal scene in Dnipro, south-east of Kyiv, over the weekend. A large group of women had gathered in a park with polystyrene, cheese graters and glass bottles to prepare Molotov cocktails to defend their city. A teacher, named only as Arina, admitted that “nobody thought that this is how we would spend our weekend”, but that making fire bombs now seemed like “the only important thing to do”.
Zelenskyy’s bravery
The decision by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his family to stay in the country while under Russian attack has “moved many”, said Steven Erlanger in The New York Times. The comedian-turned-politician “has become the leader Ukraine did not know it needed”, inspiring his citizens to fight for their country with “impassioned speeches” from the streets of Kyiv, said Erlanger. “Mr. Zelensky’s response to a reported American offer to evacuate him – ‘I need ammunition, not a ride’ – will most likely go down in Ukrainian history whether he survives this onslaught or not.”
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Republicans want to silence Israel's opponents'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Poland, Germany nab alleged anti-Ukraine spies
Speed Read A man was arrested over a supposed Russian plot to kill Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Today's political cartoons - April 19, 2024
Cartoons Friday's cartoons - priority delivery, USPS on fire, and more
By The Week US Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's unconventional approach to reconstruction
Under the radar Digitally savvy nation uses popular app to file compensation claims, access funds and rebuild destroyed homes
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What does victory now look like for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Not losing is as important as winning as the tide turns in Russia's favour again
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Where has the Wagner Group gone?
Today's Big Question Kremlin takes control of Russian mercenaries after aborted mutiny and death of leadership
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Will Ukraine's leadership reset work?
Today's Big Question Zelenskyy hints at ousting of popular military chief, but risks backlash amid dwindling munitions, delayed funding and Russian bombardment
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published