This piece is a painful reminder of what war actually looks like for ordinary people — glide bombs, daily terror, mass evacuations and ruined homes. Russia’s push to seize what’s left of Donbas is plainly an act of aggression, not “liberation,” and must be met with stronger, coordinated international measures: humanitarian corridors, urgent medical and refugee support, tighter sanctions, and air-defence assistance so civilians stop being the targets. It’s also disturbing to hear reports of private envoys who may be lending legitimacy to Russian claims — any diplomacy now must center Ukraine’s sovereignty and civilian protection, not geopolitical backroom deals. Solidarity with the defenders and the displaced; accountability for attacks on civilians should be non-negotiable. 😢