A Fundraiser for our Beloved Ukraine

It has always been difficult to describe exactly why I love Ukraine. My three years there not only brought me the love of my life, but also rejuvenated my soul. It wasn’t the scenery or the historical monuments. Not the inexpensive living or the European city culture. It was the people, the kind souls who taught me another way to live, to concentrate on what truly matters and let the rest rush by like a stiff breeze while we talked at a street side cafe or made kebobs over a fire in the forest.

When we made the difficult decision to leave for the United States, I knew what we were giving up but also what we were gaining—a promise of a better life for our daughter, a higher standard of living, opportunities that didn’t exist in Yanukovych’s Ukraine. We watched in horror form afar as Russia invaded in 2014, taking over the beautiful Crimean peninsula that was every Ukrainian’s favorite vacation destination, and invading the Donbas region just south of us.

Now, Ukraine is at risk of total destruction. Putin and his brutal army make no distinction between civilians and the army. Putin’s Orcs (the most common pejorative for Russian forces) loot, rape, torture, and kill innocent Ukrainians. Were it not for the extraordinary character and determination of the Ukrainian people to fight for their democracy, to fight for their right to survive and thrive in the best Western tradition, then Ukraine would have already died.

But it is not going to die. These citizens have fought time and time again for a free, lawful, democratic Ukraine, and they continue to sacrifice everything to have it. Ukraine will win because the alternative is the genocide of an ancient civilization. Ukraine will win because they stand for what is fair and right. Ukraine will win because the West knows that it is Ukraine standing up for western values, and we must stand with them.

On the day the war started, I went through my archives of thousands of photographs from my time in Ukraine and began posting them on Facebook to show what exactly Ukraine is all about. Now I’d like to offer a selection of some of my favorite images of the great nation that is Ukraine to raise funds that will help insure its survival—and eventual revival after Putin’s goons have all run away. I would love for you to show your support of Ukraine in any way you can, and if you feel moved, purchase one of my prints from Ukraine. All profits from these sales will go to targeted charities in support of Ukraine.

Check out the full gallery here.