I was in Ukraine just before the Maiden Uprising. Barricades were already erected in the square not far from the scaffolding that was to be that year’s Christmas tree. But instead of bows of greenery and lights, the wooden scaffolding was adorned with yellow and blue ribbons and EU flags. It was then that Ukraine was working feverishly t…
I was in Ukraine just before the Maiden Uprising. Barricades were already erected in the square not far from the scaffolding that was to be that year’s Christmas tree. But instead of bows of greenery and lights, the wooden scaffolding was adorned with yellow and blue ribbons and EU flags. It was then that Ukraine was working feverishly to be accepted into the EU. It was during this time I also saw a number of US flags. When I questioned that display I was told “ America is our aspiration- your Constitution, freedom and liberty “.
Those were the days…
There was already a growing sense of Ukrainian pride and a tremendous appetite to demonstrate their independence, individualism and cultural identity.
Most of the people I engaged with that day were younger, students who spoke English. They spoke of a future outside of Russia’s shadow and influence. The older generation weren’t yet fully onboard with the idea. I didn’t get the impression they were opposed, just wary of speaking out- for good reason historically.
It was an eye opening experience for me. And it’s wonderful to see a population now so united.
And now in my own country, the stage has flipped. During protests and marches here I’m seeing my own flag flying upside down ( if at all) and Ukrainian flags held high among the marchers. It is us now, wishing we had a leader like Zelinsky. It is our people fighting to stay out of the orbit of Putin’s Russia, under Trump.
I was in Ukraine just before the Maiden Uprising. Barricades were already erected in the square not far from the scaffolding that was to be that year’s Christmas tree. But instead of bows of greenery and lights, the wooden scaffolding was adorned with yellow and blue ribbons and EU flags. It was then that Ukraine was working feverishly to be accepted into the EU. It was during this time I also saw a number of US flags. When I questioned that display I was told “ America is our aspiration- your Constitution, freedom and liberty “.
Those were the days…
There was already a growing sense of Ukrainian pride and a tremendous appetite to demonstrate their independence, individualism and cultural identity.
Most of the people I engaged with that day were younger, students who spoke English. They spoke of a future outside of Russia’s shadow and influence. The older generation weren’t yet fully onboard with the idea. I didn’t get the impression they were opposed, just wary of speaking out- for good reason historically.
It was an eye opening experience for me. And it’s wonderful to see a population now so united.
And now in my own country, the stage has flipped. During protests and marches here I’m seeing my own flag flying upside down ( if at all) and Ukrainian flags held high among the marchers. It is us now, wishing we had a leader like Zelinsky. It is our people fighting to stay out of the orbit of Putin’s Russia, under Trump.
Oh the irony.