As a child, I always eagerly awaited summer. It was a time of new experiences, the taste of strawberries and cherries, and new responsibilities, like helping my parents herd the cattle. Back then, most villagers still kept cows. For me, it was a serious challenge: waking up early in the morning and preparing lunch with my grandmother—always the dumplings. I would carry a snack to the field for my parents and stay until evening. And there was a river nearby where you could swim. Now the river has silted up, and worse — I’m unsure if it’s even safe there anymore. Who knows if one of the rockets, which our neighbour has been generously launching across Ukraine for the third year in a row, has fallen into the water?
During times of peace, I believe every Ukrainian teenager held a special place in their heart for summer, as it signifies the much-anticipated school holidays and three months of rest. However, as I matured, I noticed the essence of summer slipping away. The clear distinction between seasons began to blur rapidly after 2014, coinciding with the onset of war. The sobering news brought me back to reality and distanced me further from the carefree feeling that summer once brought.
Since 2022, that feeling has entirely vanished. Life and work march on, oblivious to the seasons outside. During the winter season, you wonder if our soldiers at the front are cold and freezing; in autumn — if the equipment is getting stuck in the mud from the unforgiving rains; and in summer — how to escape the terrible stench at the frontline, where the smell of corpses mixes with the scent of damp earth and the sweat of our soldiers.
These days, the weight of responsibility rests heavily on the shoulders of our soldiers—those brave individuals defending the entire nation on the battlefield. Many of them are part of The Ukrainian Week family. Sadly, we’ve also suffered losses among our colleagues—heroes who fought for a free and independent Ukraine, their memory forever etched in our hearts.
Meanwhile, it’s clear that Ukrainians are gearing up for another tough summer. The recent power outages have served as a stark reminder. The updates from the frontlines don’t provide much comfort; fatigue is taking its toll, and the enemy’s unwavering advance only heightens our worries.
Adding to the mix, our former chief editor, Serhiy Demchuk, has joined the military. It was a true honour to work alongside him! However, he’s chosen the path of a warrior, and I’m proud to be part of such a committed team.
Obviously, summer will pose its challenges for me too. The role of chief editor is no small feat, but I’m confident I’ll rise to the occasion.
Despite all the upheavals, The Ukrainian Week continues its work. We persist in informing readers, speaking the truth, no matter how it may seem, and exploring the history and culture that have shaped Ukrainian consciousness and identity for centuries, distinguishing us from the enemy.
Every Ukrainian’s task now is crystal clear—to endure. Endure until people like our Serhiy Demchuk secure time for the rest of us. So, donate, support the army, trust verified sources, and read The Ukrainian Week.
And the summer that was stolen from us will return. The warmth, the light, the carefree days will come back. I have no doubt — and neither should you!
