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As Ukrainians resist tyranny, the most powerful nations must shake off their complacency

This is nothing less than genocide, unfolding right in the heart of Europe in the 21st century, as well as an assault on humanity itself. To the world leaders: Stand with us, not just in words, but through actions that show a dedication to justice and peace.
Liubov Abravitova
By Liubov Abravitova
9 Jul 2025
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Standing in the heart of Kyiv, I am struck by the contrast of resilience and despair that defines our city. On the night of 3 July, Kyiv residents were again forced to seek shelter in the subway as Russia launched a brutal barrage of 550 drones and missiles. In this dark moment, at least 23 civilians were injured in Kyiv, with 14 requiring hospital admission, and our residential areas are in ruins across five districts. Rescuers worked tirelessly, sifting through debris in search of survivors amid the chaos. 

What we are witnessing is nothing less than genocide unfolding right in the heart of Europe in the 21st century. This is not just a conflict; it is an assault on humanity itself. The world’s most powerful nations must wake up from their complacency. The only way to end this war is to pressure Russia to stop its atrocities through relentless effort, strong leadership and unwavering support for Ukraine.

This is Kyiv – the capital of the largest country in Europe. We stand not just as a nation but as a symbol of resistance against tyranny. Despite the horrors of the night, Ukraine’s people will rise. They will go to work, send their children to school, teach, serve, engage with international partners and, with unwavering spirit, they will smile... 

When asked, “How are you?” they will respond, “I’m fine”, demonstrating our ability to handle adversity.

But behind that facade there is a more profound truth. Tonight, just like so many nights before, they will stay awake, haunted by the echoes of air raid sirens and the fear of what tomorrow might bring. It has been 1,231 nights since 24 February 2022, when our lives were forever changed. Every night, we prepare for the unknown, our hearts burdened with uncertainty.

This relentless assault on our people, homes and sovereignty cannot be ignored. The international community must not stay passive while we face this brutality. We need to unite to condemn these actions and provide the necessary support to defend our nation.

A handout picture made available by the State Emergency Service shows Ukrainian emergency services working at the site of a drone strike in the Kyiv area, Ukraine, 09 July 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Russian forces launched an overnight large-scale combined attack with at least 13 missiles and 728 drones across Ukraine, the State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine reported. (Photo: EPA / STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES)
A handout picture made available by the State Emergency Service shows Ukrainian emergency services working at the site of a drone strike in the Kyiv area, Ukraine, 9 July 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Russian forces launched an overnight large-scale combined attack with at least 13 missiles and 728 drones across Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported. (Photo: EPA / State Emergency Service)
A handout picture made available by the State Emergency Service shows Ukrainian emergency services working at the site of a drone strike in the Kyiv area, Ukraine, 09 July 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Russian forces launched an overnight large-scale combined attack with at least 13 missiles and 728 drones across Ukraine, the State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine reported. (Photo: EPA / STATE EMERGENCY SERVICE HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES)
A handout picture made available by the State Emergency Service shows Ukrainian emergency services working at the site of a drone strike in the Kyiv area, Ukraine, 9 July 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Russian forces launched an overnight large-scale combined attack with at least 13 missiles and 728 drones across Ukraine, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported. (Photo: EPA / State Emergency Service)
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A child falls asleep during overnight warfare. (Photo: Yan Dobronosov / Telegraf)
Ukrainians take shelter during the night. (Photo: Yan Dobronosov / Telegraf)
Ukrainians take shelter at night. (Photo: Yan Dobronosov / Telegraf)
A child takes shelter in the metro. (Photo: Yan Dobronosov / Telegraf)
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Children take shelter at night. (Photo: Yan Dobronosov / Telegraf)
In Kyiv, people know that when night falls, it will be loud, so the metro is filled. People come in advance, ready for the whole night. (Photo: Yan Dobronosov / Telegraf)
Mothers take shelter at night with their small children. (Photo: Yan Dobronosov / Telegraf)

Read more: War in Ukraine

As Ukraine’s foreign minister stated, “every criminal regime in the world is now watching closely Putin’s actions and responses to them”.

To the world’s leaders: your voices are critical. Your choices can change the future. Stand with us, not just in words, but through actions that show a dedication to justice and peace.

We will keep standing strong, together, united in our determination to defend our homeland. DM

Comments (1)

William Grunow Jul 9, 2025, 05:08 PM

The russian invasion of Ukraine an attempt by the kremlin to recolonise Ukraine. russia cannot be allowed to succeed as it will set the precedent for more wars of conquest, the proliferation of nuclear weapons and more economic isolationism reminiscent of the Cold War. It is a damn shame the South African government has been so weak in condemning russia and its oppressive violence. The world owes Ukraine a lot for fighting so tenaciously against this evil regime. Слава Україні!