What Is It Like To Be Putin’s Neighbor? by Ana Phanjavidze ('23)

I am specifically saying Putin because Russia has a population of 145 million that consists of people who are against the government’s actions and Putin’s aggression therefore it will be unethical and wrong to put the blame on innocent citizens. 

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has been an independent country with its own language, culture, art, traditions, cuisine, etc. Ukraine wants to become a part of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to have international military backing and Putin does everything to prevent that. Russia and Ukraine have been in a war state since 2014 and now in 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. They are bombing the capital, Kyiv, along with other cities. People are hiding in the bunkers, in the subways and adults have to send their children to the countryside not knowing if they will ever see them again. Dozens of people are dying every minute and while all the democratic countries support Ukraine with their words and prayers, Ukraine is alone in this war against the biggest country in the world.

The reason why I want to talk about this is that I have been through this when I was 7. In 2008, Russia invaded my country (Georgia). I remember crying in my room, hearing sirens and bombs outside and even though I didn’t understand everything, I was terrified. Today when Russia invaded Ukraine, my mum called me and told me a story I didn’t even remember from back in 2008. She and my dad decided to stay at home and defend it and fight if necessary. She filled my and my brother’s pockets with money, kissed us and told us to go to the countryside house. She said to my brother that if we never saw each other again, he would have to take care of me (he was 12 and I was 7).

I might not remember this story but I remember bombed cities, wounded people, crying children, destroyed houses, and mothers devastated by the deaths of their sons. Seeing what is happening today makes me feel so sad for all the Ukrainians. No one should be going through this. It is terrible to feel helpless and live in fear. 

It is very important to avoid fake/Russian propaganda news and be aware of what is going on in the world. It’s also crucial to be understanding and supportive of people who are going through hell right now. I fear for my country and I fear for Ukraine. 

All my prayers go to Ukraine and to innocent people who are going through the hell they don’t deserve.

Spread Awareness and #StandByUkraine. 

P.S These pictures are taken in New York today in front of the Russian Consulate where people from all over the world including Russians and Ukrainians came to protest Putin’s actions.