Greetings from Canada

While basking in the sun we remember that all is not well in this world. I write to our friend Igor in Kharkiv:

"Greetings from Kate and Reg. We hope this finds you. (sic!)

We haven't written in some time but you're often in our thoughts. As winter settles in Canada and Ukraine this is yet another tough season ahead for you and the war in UA. Today we're escaping the cold in sunny Mexico but return to Canada soon for the Christmas season. You cannot so easily escape the hardships of winter and war.

We see that Russia continues their daily barrage against the civilian population and energy infrastructure throughout UA. I hope you are safe and doing well in spite of all that and can be comfortable this winter.

We are pleased to see long range strikes into Russia with locally developed drone technologies. Congratulations there. We see EU members continue and escalate their support with aircraft, missile defence, access to frozen Russia assets and more. Much more should be done to support UA and end this war.

Trump, the Lyin' King, continues as an embarrassment to the free world, a fickle friend to NATO and UA, and an obvious Putin Puppet. Recent US "peace" plans seem to be, yet again, a capitulation to Russia that cannot be supported.

War can easily end; all it takes is for Russia to leave!

For many years now we have escaped winter for a month or so in Texas. Not so this year.  We have sworn never to return to the US until fascism is defeated and sanity returns. That will be a long time, but we are hopeful.

I must go now. We pray for a UA victory, a unification with the EU and NATO, a rightful just peace in our time.

Stay strong, you have friends even in the darkest hour. As Churchill said early in WW II, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

Slava Ukraine!

Heroyam Slava!

Next summer, or a summer soon enough, I hope we can share a drink together on the sunny beaches of UA Crimea.

XO K&R"

And a few hours later Igor replies:

"Dear Kate and Reg!

Your thoughtful and empathyc messages always lift my spirits.

It's always nice to feel the support of friends.

This winter in Ukraine will be truly difficult.

The gas supply is working without interruptions, so my house is warm. But the electricity is intermittent for six hours, twice a day. So, I bought a gasoline generator. Along with the electricity, the water supply is also cut off.

But Ukrainians are a resilient and resourceful people! Today, I built a makeshift water tower in the attic of my house :)

I'm sure we will overcome all difficulties and prevail!

And then, of course, we'll meet in Ukrainian Crimea :)

Best wishes,

Igor"

We are so pleased that we can still connect, he's still there: alive and kicking. I reply 

"So glad our message found you. We can't imagine the hardships your compatriots are experiencing. It's like some bad movie.

We hope for and believe in better days.

Until next time. 

Your faithful feckless friends from Canada"

And Igor signs off a smile :)