You can’t tell from the photograph, but one woman’s cousin has been missing for 20 days. He is in the military, and all they know is 22 from his regiment are dead.
Another’s brother just turned 16. She wants to bring him to Canada before the war makes a statistic out of him, but their mother is hesitating. She doesn’t want to leave her husband behind.
A sister’s family lives in Moscow even though they are Ukrainian. Jobs were well-paying before the war, and her family had a good life. Now they cannot leave and are treated like paupers because of their nationality. Soon, their son will be conscripted to fight against his kin.
Here in Canada, anxiety is high, as Ukrainians have until March 31st, 2024 to apply for an extended visa or Permanent Residency. Their paperwork needs to be in order, including up to date Ukrainian passports. Ukraine is not re-issuing passports for men who have left the country or their children. We sit on the precipice of a disaster if Canada does not take a stand. Ukrainians depend on their visas to work to support their families. Now they are independent. What happens when they are not?
The ripples of war extend far beyond the battlefield.
(Photos courtesy of Nataly Shyshviska.)
One Woman's Quest II 
:_(
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😢
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Increasingly there’s an isolationist mood in America. I attribute much of this attitude to so many people who have never traveled. Ukraine is just an unnecessary distraction to them I suppose. I hope Canada does better in this regard.
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I think you are right about that. Canada has similar people. We also have a large Ukrainian population to begin with. I
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This is heartbreaking, VJ. Innocent lives are lost and those in power don’t care about anything or anyone but themselves.
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I agree. All so unnecessary
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I’m sad all this is going on. It’s so incredibly senseless. The deaths so needless – all for one egomaniac’s need to feel all powerful. And the people who enable him are just as bad.
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And how powerless we all are stop it.
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It’s beyond depressing that the war continues and the lives of so many are lost or otherwise impacted. 😢
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It really is. Thanks Tanja
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Such an awful situation all around. And as Liz noted, our political situation here in the US only makes it worse. So many heads (and hearts if they even exist) stuck in the sand. (K)
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Agreed. Thanks K
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Wow, a powerful description of the extended effect. Thank you, VJ. Sending thoughts and prayers to all that are navigating this.
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Thanks Wynne
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Praying for these beautiful people. I hope Canada does the right thing and takes a stand.
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Me too. Thanks
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And the MAGA [stream of expletives deleted] in the US won’t be satisfied until Russia takes back Ukraine.
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Every Ukrainian is holding their breath for this next election, knowing they are doomed if he gets voted back in.
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It must be sheer torture for them. I’m ashamed to be an American citizen.
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The heartache. Thank you for sharing, VJ. I agree with Sadje – ever hopeful that the senselessness will end. 💔
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We all know it won’t until some greed is satisfied. It is a call to remain open and kind-hearted. We must never give up on love.
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💔💔💔 yes!
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Thanks for sharing this perspective. What terrible choices need to be made. In so many parts of the world.
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Your are right, Sarah. It was easy to look away when not involved. Now I see it first hand.
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Is anyone listening? War is senseless killing of innocents but those in power don’t give a damn
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Amen to that, Sadje.
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🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
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