I so appreciate this, Professor. I stand with decent Americans, our principled veterans, disabled, retired, and those who served gallantly, as well as the brave and courageous Ukrainians, where my people come from now.
Thanks for this gift. What a powerful poem. I remember sleeping on the floor of the bathroom in my hotel room in Odesa in September 2024. First a small boom, then an hour of silence. Silence to hear the exhaustion and fear of my friend who lives there working in mental health every day while I go between the US and Ukraine every few months and get a rest from the penetrating silence.
He is the black hole of democracy, that 'pulls so much that even light can not get out... This can happen when a star is dying... Because no light can get out of a black hole, people can't see it.'
How do we get this to a larger audiance because it is so relevant and speaks so eloquently of what is in the heart of every Ukranian (and a lot of us this side of the Atlantic. I know visiting there in the mist of war was a life-changing experience for you; and, we appreciate your keeping us up to date on this and informed on so many fronts. Thank you.
Thank you. I have shared it with many friends and family. I joined the League of Women voters in Arizona, where I only stay for the winter months. The last meeting, your talking points from On Tyranny were posted onto the screen. The discussion was about getting rid of the Electoral College and the steps we need to take to get there. Not easy but necessary. People like to quote, "Do not obey in advance" but at the end of the meeting, I got up to say a few words about what a powerful voice yours is, your expertise on Ukraine, and that each person should purchase this little gem of a book and give it for gifts. I also mentioned a number of your other books I have read, and those I have struggled through like Bloodlands. I'm presently reading, On Freedom. It's so beautifully written and I'm enjoying learning about your younger years that led you to do the work you presently do. The poem was so beautiful and appreciated. My heart is with the Ukrainian people. I have friends in Germany, she a Russian who gave up her citizenship, he Ukrainian with family in Kiev. I sincerely hope that Pres. Zelenskyy does not give up one iota of Ukraine's precious minerals. He will get zero in return. Ukraine was promised protection under the Budapest Memorandum, and there has been no support for Ukraine whatsoever. Russia reneged. Now Trump is shamefully reneging on our obligation to Ukraine. A heartfelt thank you, Prof. Snyder, for bringing so much knowledge, understanding, compassion and clarity to all of us about Ukraine.
I am reading an incredible book of vignettes about people on the frontlines in Ukraine. It’s in French (published here in France). I will try to see if there is an English version planned. What I like: each vignette is just a few pages. There is an accompanying sketch of the person that agreed to meet with the author. It depicts a variety of people, circumstances, emotions, environments - each vignette makes the war alive in my mind, not an abstraction. It’s published on nice paper, the size of journal book and all proceeds go to an organization helping to rebuild Ukraine. It is called Cahiers d’Ukraine, it sells for 20€ and the author is a French filmmaker named Michel Hazanavicius. He traveled 3 times to the war zone and front lines to get this published. I post this in case there are any French readers. Here’s a link: https://www.placedeslibraires.fr/livre/9782370735287-carnets-d-ukraine-instantanes-du-front-ukrainien-michel-hazanavicius/
It’s also on Amazon but I prefer buying from bookstores where I can. Hopefully it will become available in English.
Thank you for posting the link. I have very limited (high school) French that I'm trying to resurrect because I met a French woman two years ago who lives two doors from my daughter in Germany and with whom I enjoy spending time. I downloaded it on my Kindle a few moments ago and opened the book. The first sketch of a handsome 28-year old made me smile, but the next sketches were about war's realities. I'm going to read every word.
Merci Andrea, c’est très apprécié. C’est formidable de pouvoir avoir accès aux sentiments d’Ukrainiens qui depuis 3 ans déjà font face à d’énormes conflits qui ont bouleversé et qui persistent à bouleverser leur vie.
Thank you for posting this beautiful poem. The message is potent in its stark revelation about the war being raged in Ukraine. Thank you also to Ms Glaser who translated the Ukrainian version into English.
Thank you for posting. Our pain is so great but “they “ don’t feel any. Either they just can’t feel anything period or rejoice in others agony. How I yearn to strike out
Thank you for the poem. It does express what I think and feel. As a Ukrainian American, my heart is breaking, and I am ashamed of what this country is doing. I am engaged and fighting against the wrongs of the tech oligarchs.
Thank you for that powerful poem. Wish my father could read it…he was-in Tubruck, El Alamene, Siege of Sicily, and the Battle of Casino during WW2. He suffered but survived or l wouldn’t be here.
My father tended to scoff at poets, but he was evacuated from Corregidor by submarine before the Philippines fell, he observed the surrender in Tokyo bay through his sub's periscope at the end of the war, and he walked away from an Army general in Viet Nam who wanted the Navy to use its river patrol craft to intercept villagers fleeing from a planned landside assault on a coastal village.
I think he would understand and be willing to share this poem.
Terribly effective at reaching an inner emotive space that I wish that more Americans could visit, imagining themselves in such a place. Maybe, just maybe, it would awaken the empathy that seems so very sadly missing in the trump hurrahdom smack in the middle of the principles of convenience and me firstism.
What is this place, John, that the convicted criminal in the White House inhabits?
Certainly it's the money of the South African apartheid and German fascist chainsaw guy.
It's the money of the U.S. billionaires on the dais immediately behind him as he again lied taking the oath to the U.S. Constitution -- which explicitly bars insurrectionists like him from ever having any public office anywhere in America.
It's the money MAGA Republicans take from all the billionaires' and corporate lobbyists.
And the money the corrupted and the perjured on the Clarence court have taken from the billionaires and the corporate lobbyists to immunize the fat orange guy's criminality.
And the money Chuck Schumer and similar Dems took from the billionaires and corporate lobbyists that they never called a vote in the U.S. Senate to enforce the Constitution's Article 14, Section Three disqualifying any insurrectionists from any American public office.
That’s an accurate and pretty good summary, Phil. I’d also include the betrayal of US allies, NATO and, especially, the Ukrainian people, based on LIES and fanciful historical rewrites. Of course much of what you have outlined has been driven by the same playbook. It is certainly astounding that so many have swallowed it hook line and sinker, even if it must be acknowledged that JB and the D party had a hand in what has happened. I understand that it will be difficult for some (not me) to see the hugely more consequential faults of one side, when the good guys allow too much room for ‘whataboutisms’ on the other side. Nonetheless, politics is like a trip to the eye doctor: the relevant question is better than? / worse than? I can’t see through the present glasses. In fact, they make me sick. Even if honest answers had given us the old specs, it seemed to me that I could see quite well.
Frankly, I am thankful that the European governments are standing up for the Ukrainians. We are so lucky that they are doing so. At least not everyone is not in the Axis of Evil, as Bush used to call it, now that we have joined it too.
I so appreciate this, Professor. I stand with decent Americans, our principled veterans, disabled, retired, and those who served gallantly, as well as the brave and courageous Ukrainians, where my people come from now.
Thanks for this gift. What a powerful poem. I remember sleeping on the floor of the bathroom in my hotel room in Odesa in September 2024. First a small boom, then an hour of silence. Silence to hear the exhaustion and fear of my friend who lives there working in mental health every day while I go between the US and Ukraine every few months and get a rest from the penetrating silence.
Thank you, Timothy Snyder. Too bad our leader wouldn’t understand it at all. All he sees is money.
no not just money, i think he genuinely admires putin. it is a total disaster
He is the black hole of democracy, that 'pulls so much that even light can not get out... This can happen when a star is dying... Because no light can get out of a black hole, people can't see it.'
A destroyer. A liar. A black hole
It IS a total disaster. Yesterday with President Macron put it on tape. Putin is a substitute for Trump’s KKK father.
How do we get this to a larger audiance because it is so relevant and speaks so eloquently of what is in the heart of every Ukranian (and a lot of us this side of the Atlantic. I know visiting there in the mist of war was a life-changing experience for you; and, we appreciate your keeping us up to date on this and informed on so many fronts. Thank you.
Feel free to share the substack link. That’s what it’s here for. So please share as widely as you like.
Thank you. I have shared it with many friends and family. I joined the League of Women voters in Arizona, where I only stay for the winter months. The last meeting, your talking points from On Tyranny were posted onto the screen. The discussion was about getting rid of the Electoral College and the steps we need to take to get there. Not easy but necessary. People like to quote, "Do not obey in advance" but at the end of the meeting, I got up to say a few words about what a powerful voice yours is, your expertise on Ukraine, and that each person should purchase this little gem of a book and give it for gifts. I also mentioned a number of your other books I have read, and those I have struggled through like Bloodlands. I'm presently reading, On Freedom. It's so beautifully written and I'm enjoying learning about your younger years that led you to do the work you presently do. The poem was so beautiful and appreciated. My heart is with the Ukrainian people. I have friends in Germany, she a Russian who gave up her citizenship, he Ukrainian with family in Kiev. I sincerely hope that Pres. Zelenskyy does not give up one iota of Ukraine's precious minerals. He will get zero in return. Ukraine was promised protection under the Budapest Memorandum, and there has been no support for Ukraine whatsoever. Russia reneged. Now Trump is shamefully reneging on our obligation to Ukraine. A heartfelt thank you, Prof. Snyder, for bringing so much knowledge, understanding, compassion and clarity to all of us about Ukraine.
Joanna Denis
I am reading an incredible book of vignettes about people on the frontlines in Ukraine. It’s in French (published here in France). I will try to see if there is an English version planned. What I like: each vignette is just a few pages. There is an accompanying sketch of the person that agreed to meet with the author. It depicts a variety of people, circumstances, emotions, environments - each vignette makes the war alive in my mind, not an abstraction. It’s published on nice paper, the size of journal book and all proceeds go to an organization helping to rebuild Ukraine. It is called Cahiers d’Ukraine, it sells for 20€ and the author is a French filmmaker named Michel Hazanavicius. He traveled 3 times to the war zone and front lines to get this published. I post this in case there are any French readers. Here’s a link: https://www.placedeslibraires.fr/livre/9782370735287-carnets-d-ukraine-instantanes-du-front-ukrainien-michel-hazanavicius/
It’s also on Amazon but I prefer buying from bookstores where I can. Hopefully it will become available in English.
Thank you for posting the link. I have very limited (high school) French that I'm trying to resurrect because I met a French woman two years ago who lives two doors from my daughter in Germany and with whom I enjoy spending time. I downloaded it on my Kindle a few moments ago and opened the book. The first sketch of a handsome 28-year old made me smile, but the next sketches were about war's realities. I'm going to read every word.
That is so nice to hear!!! Thank you for sharing here!
Merci Andrea, c’est très apprécié. C’est formidable de pouvoir avoir accès aux sentiments d’Ukrainiens qui depuis 3 ans déjà font face à d’énormes conflits qui ont bouleversé et qui persistent à bouleverser leur vie.
De rien! C’est le moins que je puisse faire.
I am reading "Ukraine in Histories and Stories, Essays by Ukrainian Intellectuals." this is in English, all contemporary Ukrainian Writers a variety of topics back and forth in time. https://cup.columbia.edu/book/ukraine-in-histories-and-stories/9783838214566
Thanks for sharing
This brings tears.
Thank you for the clear communication.
Thank you for posting this beautiful poem. The message is potent in its stark revelation about the war being raged in Ukraine. Thank you also to Ms Glaser who translated the Ukrainian version into English.
Thank you for posting. Our pain is so great but “they “ don’t feel any. Either they just can’t feel anything period or rejoice in others agony. How I yearn to strike out
Heart-rending. (And infuriating.)
Thank you for the poem. It does express what I think and feel. As a Ukrainian American, my heart is breaking, and I am ashamed of what this country is doing. I am engaged and fighting against the wrongs of the tech oligarchs.
Thanks to all of you who "liked" my comment. I appreciate the support.
Thank you for posting this. After reading it, I found myself staring into space with tears in my eyes. A very thoughtful piece.
oh, god, I'm sorry
where is the water to replace my tears
Thank you for that powerful poem. Wish my father could read it…he was-in Tubruck, El Alamene, Siege of Sicily, and the Battle of Casino during WW2. He suffered but survived or l wouldn’t be here.
My father, Mary Ray, was in the Philippines, New Guinea, and Yokohama.
Mary Ray:
My father tended to scoff at poets, but he was evacuated from Corregidor by submarine before the Philippines fell, he observed the surrender in Tokyo bay through his sub's periscope at the end of the war, and he walked away from an Army general in Viet Nam who wanted the Navy to use its river patrol craft to intercept villagers fleeing from a planned landside assault on a coastal village.
I think he would understand and be willing to share this poem.
\Vince S
Terribly effective at reaching an inner emotive space that I wish that more Americans could visit, imagining themselves in such a place. Maybe, just maybe, it would awaken the empathy that seems so very sadly missing in the trump hurrahdom smack in the middle of the principles of convenience and me firstism.
What is this place, John, that the convicted criminal in the White House inhabits?
Certainly it's the money of the South African apartheid and German fascist chainsaw guy.
It's the money of the U.S. billionaires on the dais immediately behind him as he again lied taking the oath to the U.S. Constitution -- which explicitly bars insurrectionists like him from ever having any public office anywhere in America.
It's the money MAGA Republicans take from all the billionaires' and corporate lobbyists.
And the money the corrupted and the perjured on the Clarence court have taken from the billionaires and the corporate lobbyists to immunize the fat orange guy's criminality.
And the money Chuck Schumer and similar Dems took from the billionaires and corporate lobbyists that they never called a vote in the U.S. Senate to enforce the Constitution's Article 14, Section Three disqualifying any insurrectionists from any American public office.
That’s an accurate and pretty good summary, Phil. I’d also include the betrayal of US allies, NATO and, especially, the Ukrainian people, based on LIES and fanciful historical rewrites. Of course much of what you have outlined has been driven by the same playbook. It is certainly astounding that so many have swallowed it hook line and sinker, even if it must be acknowledged that JB and the D party had a hand in what has happened. I understand that it will be difficult for some (not me) to see the hugely more consequential faults of one side, when the good guys allow too much room for ‘whataboutisms’ on the other side. Nonetheless, politics is like a trip to the eye doctor: the relevant question is better than? / worse than? I can’t see through the present glasses. In fact, they make me sick. Even if honest answers had given us the old specs, it seemed to me that I could see quite well.
Frankly, I am thankful that the European governments are standing up for the Ukrainians. We are so lucky that they are doing so. At least not everyone is not in the Axis of Evil, as Bush used to call it, now that we have joined it too.
Heartrending.