“Ukraine’s Glory and Freedom Have Not Yet Perished”

[ndrosen]

I have read of Ukraine’s army fighting back as best it can with rifles and surface-to-air missiles, while middle-aged men and women make Molotov cocktails, and prepare to fight a l’outrance. President Zelensky has refused an American offer to evacuate him, saying that he needs ammunition, not a ride.

I do not foreknow the outcome of this war, but I stand in awe of the courage which Ukrainians have demonstrated in defense of their country and their freedom. I hope that I would dare to act similarly.

I remember a toast I drank years ago, with Georgian wine: “To democracy in Georgia, and to democracy in Russia, may Vladimir Putin live to see it.” Putin has not suffered the fate I wished upon him, and probably will not; it would be at least some satisfaction to see his years ended by a rope around his neck or the bullet of an assassin.