Olesya Khromeychuk
@OKhromeychuk
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Historian and writer, PhD. Author of The Death of a Soldier Told by His Sister (2022), ‘Undetermined’ Ukrainians (2013). Director of @Ukr_Institute.
Joined April 2020
In 2024, we can’t afford to have our choices made for us. We must exercise our agency. This war is existential not only for Ukrainians; it is existential for those of us who want to live in a world governed by the rule of law. My long read for @guardian.
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People outside of Ukraine ask me how to help. Here are some thoughts: .- Stay informed and inform others. - Join demos and write to your MPs. - Donate to humanitarian aid charities and the Ukrainian army. Below are some useful links (please add to this list):🧵 1/6.
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The capital of my homeland is under attack! Civilians are killed. It's our duty in the West to demand from our governments to help Ukraine NOW:.- introduce no-fly zone over Ukraine.- block Russia from SWIFT .- Ban energy trade with Russia.- sanction Putin. Kyiv, stay strong! 💔.
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As universities and libraries are bombed by the Russians in Ukraine and colleagues lose their lives and livelihoods, @ucu gives platform to those who want to abandon Ukraine in a genocidal war. Appalled as a Ukrainian and a scholar by this display of profound ignorance.
A hideous scene from UCU Congress earlier today. A Ukrainian victory would mean "subjugation and oppression" by "American imperialism". "The main enemy is at home!". The UCU backs the "Stop the War Coalition". It wants Ukraine to be left defenceless. Foul.
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Today is the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. My thoughts are with all servicewomen and men. May you all return home safely. RIP those who are no longer with us. My brother Volodya was born on 6 Dec. He would have turned 48 today. We'll mark your day, big brother!💔💙💛
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7 years ago, my brother was killed in action. 7 years on, ru continues to terrorise 🇺🇦 and blackmail the world. Politicians continue to lack courage to ensure ru is defeated. With every Ukrainian death, our freedom is diminished. We don’t have another 7 years. We need to act now.
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Victoria was documenting war crimes perpetrated by the Russians. She was killed in yet another such war crime. We bear witness to her death and that of thousands killed in Ukraine. Our witnessing must come with the responsibility to ensure justice. RIP.
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A new hairstyle? No, a new wig. A few months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m now more than halfway through chemotherapy. I share this because I see vulnerability as a source of strength. 🧵 1/3
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Today, Ukrainians mark the Day of Remembrance of the Fallen Defenders of Ukraine. I like to remember my brother Volodya as a civilian, because each serviceman and woman has a life they interrupt to serve. Grateful for his life and for his service. RIP, Defenders of Ukraine.💔💙💛
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A mystery flag. A true story. On the eve of the full-scale invasion, hurrying to get to the ru embassy for a protest, I couldn't find my flag. After some rummaging, I found a carefully folded flag. It was larger than my normal flag; I could wrap myself in it & it kept me warm.1/2
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Happy birthday, big brother. You would have turned 49 today. I’ll celebrate your life as you rest in peace under the duvet of white. 💔🤍. Thank you, @sasha_weirdsley for the photo and the bouquet with bavovna.
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Victoria Amelina was buried yesterday in Lviv, her & my hometown. Today it was hit by the Russians. 'The world is learning the names of Ukrainian writers from their obituaries. And that is no way to discover a country’s literature.' My tribute @CNNOpinion.
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It's important to read reliable sources. Here are my two favorite outlets in English: @KyivIndependent, @NewVoiceUkraine. Also Ukraine-based journalists: @olgatokariuk, @ChristopherJM, @NikaMelkozerova, @IAPonomarenko (there are many others!) Share info with your contacts! 2/6.
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My brother's photo is on this wall too. Too many lives have been lost in this war already. It's our duty to do everything to stop Russia from further escalating it and causing many more deaths.
It takes more than a full minute walking at a brisk pace to reach the end of the Kyiv memorial wall for thousands of Ukrainians who died fighting for their country over the course of nearly 8 years of war.
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On my way to @NATO to give a talk, my taxi driver tells me he’s from Morocco, grew up in Spain and lives in Brussels. I say I’m from Ukraine but live in London. And then he says ‘for you, lady’ and plays @okeanelzy’s «Я не здамся без бою» (I won’t surrender without a fight)!💙💛
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It was only the next day, 24 Feb 2022, that I realised that my brother's coffin had been draped in that flag. Before the coffin was lowered into the ground, we were given the flag as a keepsake. Thanks for keeping me warm on the coldest night, brother! (📷by Guy Corbishley). 2/2.
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Having greeted their visitors, Kyiv museum workers explain that most exhibits are stored in a bomb shelter. ‘For now. Until victory.’ I long to see the day when they’ll be on display. Art by Lyubov Panchenko (1938-2022), who died after a month of starvation in Ru-occupied Bucha.
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If, like me, you’re welcoming 2024 not in a bomb shelter and the sound of fireworks doesn’t scare the hell out of you, think of the freedoms you enjoy and spare a thought for those less fortunate. 💙💛
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Today Ukraine marks its Day of Unity. As a kid I joined human chains linking east & west. The country’s unity has been tried & tested, especially since Russia attacked in 2014. Yet now, it is stronger than ever before. A good example for the rest of Europe in these trying times.
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We've been saying ‘never again’ for years while commemorating the dead of WWII. Did we really mean it? When my brother was killed in Donbas in 2017, most west Europeans did not even remember that there was a war raging on the other side of Europe. 🧵1/4.
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‘Ukraine experts have spent their careers pointing out the errors about Ukraine […] risking being perceived much like an “angry woman” who criticises patriarchy in a room full of men who do not understand what her problem is.’ My @derspiegel text in En:
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Prouder than ever of my people—we seem to be the only adults in the room.
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Spoke to Jon Snow @Channel4 about the world's misunderstanding of Ukraine, what Putin is afraid of, and the necessity of bringing the Russian leadership to justice. Watch the full programme with @Olia_Hercules, @TomTugendhat & others here: @jonsnowC4
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I've lost count of the number of times I've had to debunk the myth of NATO expansion and confront those who put ru's fabricated 'security concerns' above the real threat to Ukraine's security. I signed this letter alongside fellow Ukraine experts.
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'After centuries of imperialist repression and decades of Soviet subjugation, Ukraine has a profound story to tell about the meaning of freedom.' My piece for @nytimes. @nytopinion.
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This is Lviv’s Field of Mars, a new cemetery that appeared because the military pantheon could not contain the war dead after 2022. With each visit, I see more and more graves. Let's not forget that our collective efforts (or inaction) have an impact on the losses in Ukraine.
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My chemo companions for the final infusion are Lesia Ukrainka, who knew her way around a hospital, and one of Maria Prymachenko’s monsters. The treatment isn’t over but this is a huge milestone! Massive thanks to all walking this road with me, especially the goddesses of the NHS.
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De-imperialising Paris one bookshop at a time.🧵.I spotted the French translation of my book (alongside Kotsiubynskyi’s Shadows!) in a ‘Littérature russe’ section in a Parisian bookshop (Librairie Compagnie @libcompagnie). 1/7
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Very moved to see so much support for Ukraine in the UK, from ordinary Brits to the @RoyalFamily. Leaving a meeting with Ukrainians in London, we watched Prince Charles pause and say: 'There's one more thing I should say: Slava Ukraini'! #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦
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Support the Ukrainian army: 'Come Back Alive', a Kyiv-based charity, provides Ukraine’s Armed Forces with equipment, software, personal body protection, training, etc: 4/6.
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I am grateful to @BASEES for giving me a platform to talk about the urgent need to decolonise our knowledge and imperialist view of the world. You can now watch the recording of my keynote: ‘Where is Ukraine on the mental map of the academic community?’
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Just a fraction of thousands of people in London now! The world stands with Ukraine! Ukrainians, thank you for protecting our democracy! Ми з вами! 🇺🇦#StandWithUkriane
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UK: @BritUkrAid supports victims of the ongoing war, orphaned children, IDPs, the wounded, etc. The @AUGBSUB are fundraising for humanitarian aid: .US: @razomforukraine and Nova Ukraine raise money for Emergency Response: 5/6.
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After a sleepless night of air raid sirens, around forty people gather in central Kyiv to hear Olena Zaretska, the granddaughter of artist and dissident Alla Horska, give a tour of 1960s Kyiv. Resistance in history and today.
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Today is Victoria Amelina’s birthday. But she will stay forever 37 because the Russians killed her in 2023. Those of us who have lived to see another year, let's take a moment to read Victoria’s work, reflect on her legacy, and support the projects she can no longer pursue.🧵.
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Been reading many truly thoughtful articles on Ukraine. But in the 8th year of Russian aggression & 31st year of Ukraine's sovereignty, can we please transliterate Ukrainian placenames according to *Ukrainian* spelling? Kyiv, Luhansk, Odesa & Donbas [one 's'], Kharkiv. Thank you!.
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My new piece for @the_ukrainians on our perception of wars, the difference between visibility and understanding, and how to bridge the gap between them. 🔗 ‘This is not a crime novel’: (Photo by @ouvessvit)
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My @theRSAorg article 'WHERE IS UKRAINE?' is available online. 'Knowledge is not only about power; it is also a matter of security. If Ukraine does not exist on mental maps, its existence on the actual map of the world will continue to be at risk.' 🧵
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Write to your MPs to push for sanctions and support ( - DM me for a template. Join your local demos. If your town isn't holding one, think of organising it. Chances are - there will be many others who will want to join you! 3/6.
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I wish we didn’t have to mark birthdays that might have been, were it not for imperial violence. A giant of UA literature would have turned 87 today, but he died at 47 in a Soviet camp in 1985, at a time when the world was celebrating Soviet liberalisation. Vasyl Stus 1938-1985.
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Impressed by Serhy Yekelchyk's ability to summarise centuries of history in this short article for @politico. Putin's plans keep backfiring: Ukraine's place on the mental map of the world is firmer and its history is understood better than ever before.
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At @Ukr_Institute, we do our best to continue raising awareness about the war and about Ukraine more widely. Join our events (. Watch them on our YouTube channel (. Get in touch if you want to volunteer with us. /end.
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One of the school kids' drawings my brother kept as a soldier. Popasna (pictured) was destroyed by the Russians; my brother was killed by them. I wonder where the child who drew it is now. It's our duty to help Ukraine win so the kids of today won't have to be drafted tomorrow.
Those school kids who sent their drawings to Ukrainian soldiers when Russia invaded the country in 2014 are now fighting at the frontlines. Will today's Ukrainian school kids have to replace them in 9 years?.
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Ukraine changed on 21 November 2013 for good, choosing freedom and dignity. Ten years on, these values are only stronger. RIP those who gave and continue to give their lives for freedom, giving us the chance to mark the Day of Dignity and Freedom! .🇺🇦 #RevolutionofDignity
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'I’ve been asked many times in the media and in public discussions to provide a “human angle” to Russia’s war. As well as feeling frustration at being pigeonholed into the category of “grieving woman”, I also wonder which part of the war these people consider to be not human.'👇
“Half of my phone book is empty now. The numbers belong to people who no longer live,” says a friend who himself is serving in the armed forces. “I don’t even save anyone’s numbers anymore. I don’t want another entry that won’t answer.” .✍️ @OKhromeychuk .
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Films we'd rather not make and books we'd rather not write constitute new Ukrainian culture. This culture showcases the courage we'd rather not have to exercise. Congratulations, @mstyslavchernov! You and your brave team of @20DaysMariupol made history!
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‘Cultural imperialism lives on, even if its carriers often proclaim anti-colonial slogans.’ My new piece for @AtlanticCouncil with some suggestions to editors, publishers, and curators from us, the 'perpetually frustrated Ukraine specialists'. 🧵 1/4.
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‘I am war. We Ukrainians all became a war. Nothing else about us matters now’. Victoria Amelina wrote these words in February 2022. They appear in a book published in February 2025—posthumously—because Victoria was killed in one of Russia’s numerous war crimes. 1/3
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I often recommend turning to 🇺🇦 literature to understand the point of view of those who have fought to have their voices heard. This summer, you can do a whole course from the comfort of your home on fighting imperialism through literature. 6 Jun–25 Jul:
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For the past 6 years, on 24 March, I want to be nowhere else but by my brother's grave. He was killed in action on this day in 2017. Last year, my dear friend visited him on my behalf. I describe her visit in my book (see an extract from 'Cosy grave' below). RIP, Volodya. 💔💙💛
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A world where human dignity is respected is built on justice. It’s up to all of us to fight for it. Oleksandra Matviichuk, thank you for your courage and for giving us inspiration. The event was organised by @Ukr_Institute and @theRSAorg. Recording to follow. @avalaina
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'If there’s one thing Ukrainians know about democracy, it is that it’s really hard work. But it pays off.' A useful thought to keep in mind right now. My TED talk on what the world can learn from Ukraine's fight for democracy can be watched via @TEDTalks.
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Protesting against Russian disinformation outside Russia Today / RT headquarters in London. Joined by Londoners from all over the world, including Ukraine, Belarus and Hong Kong! #solidarity
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David was a gentle, thoughtful, and highly professional journalist. What he and his colleagues did for Ukraine is immense. I'll remember him with deep gratitude. My deepest condolences to David's family, friends, and colleagues.
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our colleague, David Knowles. David was a talented journalist and a much-loved friend and a colleague. He will be greatly missed.
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It is with great honour and a broken heart that I will chair this book launch. Please join us on 12 Feb to remember Victoria Amelina and to launch her book. It should never have been published posthumously, but it will ensure that Vika's legacy endures.
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Victoria would have turned 39 today, but her life was cut short in 2023 by a ru missile strike. Today is the deadline for the Victoria Amelina Fellowship, launched by @INDEX_Ukraine in partnership with @PenUkraine. It honours her memory and carries forward the spirit of her work.
INDEX launches the Victoria Amelina Fellowship for writers from Ukraine and abroad in partnership with @PenUkraine. The Fellowship will take place in Victoria Amelina’s native city of Lviv to honour her memory and carry on the ethos of her work. ⚪ Apply:
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People in Ukraine have been working for 7 months with great faith, passion & enthusiasm. Many are burnt out but they keep going. Let’s support them each in our own way! Ukraine’s victory is our shared cause! 📷 With my heroines @avalaina, Olena Stiazhkina, @sasha_weirdsley. 2/5
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This morning's post by Alisa Kovalenko, one of the finest Ukrainian filmmakers.
Hello dear world. This is a Ukrainian child hiding in a metal tub from Russian missiles
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It’s not all doom and gloom in Paris. Another bookshop, on the same street, (Librairie l'Harmattan @HarmattanL), had a varied Ukraine shelf (even more than one!) See image below. 6/7
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My piece about 'Ukraine fatigue' as a weapon of war, and reflections on how we consume wars, for @prospect_uk: 'The aim of war fatigue is to make us seek ceasefire, not victory; concessions, not justice; to exit this war without ensuring lasting peace.' 👉
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My brother Volodya would have turned 50 today. Since losing him to the war, I’ve held close both the real and imagined ways he stays with me. Read my reflections in my latest Wounds and Words essay: ‘Guardian demon’. Happy fiftieth, brother!
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So there you have it, you can walk from unyielding ignorance to conscious effort along one Parisian street (near Sorbonne). And if we want to walk in that direction and not the other way, we must de-imperialise our knowledge. Where better to start than in a bookshop? END.
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Today is the publication day of The Death of a Soldier Told by His Sister. I am truly grateful to all who made this possible, and to all who have read and will read the book. Available in bookshops and online:
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Thank you fellow Londoners for coming out tonight to protest in solidarity with the people of Ukraine!🇺🇦 Glad to see so much media coverage. We can't afford another 'Ukraine fatigue' like in 2014. We're in this together & for a long time. #StandWithUkraine 📷 by Guy Corbishley.
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Western media: liberate yourselves from Putin’s rhetoric; it too is used as a weapon of war. Here are some questions you might want to ask.👇 Grateful to @thejulianevans for raising our concerns in his piece for the @Telegraph.
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TODAY 12.00 DOWNING STREET, LONDON.Join the protest and show your support for the Ukrainian people. Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian cities Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Mariupol, Dnipro and many others are under attack. Details:
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Few more charities to support from @olgatokariuk: - a charity providing psychological support to children with war trauma.- a suicide prevention line for veterans.- a charity providing assistance to IDPs.
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Thrilled to share my interview with @slavinska for @the_ukrainians. We discussed my childhood in Lviv, what it's like to live in two cultures, what history can teach us about the present, how to communicate Ukraine abroad and & more. Photos by @ouvessvit.
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One of these privileges is the ability to raise awareness and speak frankly, especially about the various taboos surrounding this illness and its treatments. So, there’ll be more to come from me on this. For now, may the goddess of crossroads be with those of you who need her. ♥️.
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Londoners, fellow Brits! This war took my brother's life. He was a soldier of the Ukrainian Army that is fighting against the Russian troops. Here's my story: Please do all you can to help Ukraine NOW. See additional messages about what you can do.👇.
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One of my cousins is stuck with kids in S. Ukraine & her husband is mobilised. Another is about to give birth in W. Ukraine. My best friend is sheltering IDPs in Lviv. Another is queuing with her 2 kids on the Polish border. Many women are in the army, territorial defence, etc!🧵
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I am thrilled to announce that a new edition of my book, with a new foreword by @philippesands, an introduction by @AKurkov, and several new chapters tackling Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, is published by Monoray at @Octopus_Books! Pre-order:
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I reminded him that there was a war raging in Europe and stressed that having my book in the Russian section was simply offensive. Eventually, the manager moved it elsewhere (see image). No apology was offered. 3/7
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Lingering imperialism. Reading yet another piece on Ukraine in a reputable periodical where UA names/place names are misspelt. In the 11th year of the war, the 3rd year of the all-out war. If I wrote on the UK and misspelt British towns and names, would my text be published?.
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I've reported many posts here and elsewhere that spread hatred against 🇺🇦. Nonetheless, they remain online and I get something like this: 'We found that xyz hasn’t broken our safety policies'. Today, I get this from @LinkedIn. See my original post about Victoria Amelina below.
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I’m blessed with loved ones who have my back. I’m fortunate to be able to work with my usual zeal. I am brilliantly looked after by the NHS staff. But there are so many women and men out there who don’t have the privileges I enjoy. 2/3.
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'We should be asking ourselves, whether in London, Paris, New York, or beyond, the question that Kyiv is answering right now: Do we have a democratic future of our own worth fighting for?' My piece coauthored with Sonya Bilocerkowycz for @nybooks.
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Being able to visit my home country was a privilege that I could exercise thanks to all those people who are fighting in and out of the trenches to protect Ukrainian statehood. Here are some observations from my trip. 1/5 🧵 📷 Kyiv.
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On my way to Richmond (Yorkshire) to speak about my book with @PeteBarronMedia. Very grateful to Richmond Walking and Book Festival for inviting me. Sadly, our discussion clashes with @Eurovision, but if you’re in the neighbourhood, please join us. 🙂 💙💛
For every death in a war, there is a grieving family having to deal with the heartbreak and horrific practicalities of their loss. I'll be remembering those families with @OKhromeychuk at a fundraising event in Richmond on Saturday.
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Grateful to @flrskkrmn for spotlighting Ukraine in @nrc. Key message: stay invested in Ukraine's victory. Delayed support hinders our fight and benefits only Russia. We need global solidarity now. (In Dutch or via preferred AI translator). 📷@JustGriffWill
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What an amazing turnout by the Russian embassy in London tonight. Londoners, you are amazing! More demos planned in the coming days! Join us! 💙💛.
#BREAKING "My brother was killed at the frontline in 2017, he was a solider in the Ukrainian armed forces. He was killed by shrapnel Luhansk region, which is being shelled now" Ukrainian woman joining protesters outside the Russian Embassy in #London #Ukraine #Russia
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Amazing turnout at @Ukr_Institute and @UCLSSEES discussion on the role of the UK in ensuring Ukraine’s victory in Russia’s war. Grateful to this all-female panel of experts for sharing their insights. Recording to follow on our YouTube channel. Subscribe:
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So good to hold the French edition of my book translated by Cécile Deniard and published by @editionsduseuil. With each translation, the story of this nearly decade-long war reaches more readers. La Mort d'un frère: Cover image by Françoise Pétrovitch.
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‘For too long, the Russian imperial gaze was internalised by Western academia’. Vitaly Chernetsky’s powerful lecture at @UCLSSEES. Key messages: leave comfort zone, be proactive in efforts to unlearn, and then relearn. And, most importantly, practice solidarity. @globalrhizome
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‘What’s with the buzz cut?’ ‘Being a rebel?’ ‘Still ill?’ ‘Don’t tell anyone it’s chemo. You look badass!’ .I meet each stare, absorbing the curiosity, defusing the judgment. It’s exhilarating. It’s exhausting. Photos by Nicola Roper, who offers love and doesn't question.
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Who told you that I might be weak, that fate I would obey?.Who told you that my hand might shake, that word and thought are frail?.You heard me sing a woeful song, a lamentation wail,.But that was just a warm spring storm, and not the autumn gale. #LesiaUkrainka.#StandWithUkraine
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I will be speaking at this year's @clivedenlitfest alongside @philippesands, @Dannythefink & @Freedland. 'War on trial: from Nuremberg to Ukraine, can international justice ever be delivered?' | 30th Sep | 15:30.Full programme : #clivedenlitfest2023
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Having explained to the manager that the only connection my book had to Russia was the fact that its protagonist had been killed by the Russians, I asked for it to be moved. The manager said that they didn’t have enough books on Ukraine to create a ‘Ukraine shelf’. 2/7.
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‘The fate of European security is being decided in Ukraine. Not listening to Ukrainian voices is irrational.’ .An extract from my interview with Sofia Cheliak @frau_cheliak for Suspilne Kultura @suspilne_news. Watch the full version here:
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10 years since ru attacked Ukraine, 2 years of full-scale war and resistance. Ukrainians don't have the privilege to choose whether to be brave. They must be brave in order to survive. The rest of us still have that choice. We had better make it soon.
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The Death of a Soldier is now available in paperback in all good bookshops! This book about death brought much light to my life, most of all through readers' feedback. @simonmontefiore, @DrHenryMarsh, @Olia_Hercules, @paulmasonnews and many others, thanks for your endorsements!
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Seeing Russia as an ally and a victim in WWII, the world ignored its historic and current aggression. It took the full-scale invasion of Ukraine for us to see that Russia's 'we can do it again' was not just the 9th May slogan. It was a warning. A threat to Ukraine and Europe. 3/4.
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Feminism has allowed me to analyse Russia's war and the way the Ukrainian experience is perceived around the world with more nuance. I've written several texts on the subject (see 🧵below), discussing credibility, trust and whose voice we see as authoritative. # IWD2024 1/4.
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Instead, some Europeans chose to focus on their guilt for Russia’s losses in WWII, forgetting that ‘Soviet’ does not equate to ‘Russian’, and that during WWII Ukrainians suffered Nazi & Soviet occupations. Now the sovereignty of Ukraine is denied by an irredentist state again.2/4.
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