The staff of the Kyiv Independent answered the question, “If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself on the eve of Russia’s full-scale invasion?”
Back In Time
The following reflections offer a glimpse into the profound impact Russia’s invasion has had on a group of people covering the war — and a nation — changed forever.
The Kyiv Independent was born out of a fight for freedom of speech. It was co-founded by a group of journalists who were fired from the Kyiv Post, then a prominent newspaper, as the owner attempted to take the newsroom under control and end its critical coverage of Ukrainian authorities.
Asami Terajima
Asami was a 21-year-old university student who was just weeks on the job.
“I would tell myself that everything about your life will change tomorrow: your understanding of war, peace, and life. Don’t freak out, but the war that is about to consume your life is way worse than you could have ever imagined. The most important thing is that you know you are not alone. You have friends and colleagues who will be there for you, so just keep taking one step at a time.
Make sure that you are comfortable with the risk you are taking and follow your gut — it can sometimes save lives. Don’t panic and stay true to yourself. You will lose many friends to war, you will attend funerals for the first time, and you will witness horrifying scenes that you were always scared to watch in war movies. But you are loved, and there will be beautiful moments amid the uncertainty and darkness that shine so brightly. You will discover more about yourself along the way.”
Toma Istomina
“Just 30 minutes before the first explosions rocked Kyiv and Russian tanks started rolling over Ukrainian borders from all sides, I published a post on Instagram, saying:
‘Again and again we prove to have something Russia can only envy. We are united, we are courageous, and our values prevail in the face of hundreds of thousands of fully equipped troops encircling our country. We might have been unfortunate to share a border with Russia. But we are damn fortunate to have each other. And nobody will ever take that away.’
Three years later, after everything we’ve been through, I couldn’t say it better. If I could go back in time to the eve of the full-scale invasion, I would take my own phone, open that post, and read it out loud to myself, with a lot of confidence.”
Attendees hold portrait placards and sing Ukraine’s national anthem during a moment of silence on Defenders Day in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images)
Natalia Yermak
Natalia is a reporter.
“I’d tell myself that my first impression of the war — that it is bigger than just Ukraine, and will change people’s lives all over the world — will prove more true than ever in a few years.
There are so many stories of strength and compassion that I’ll see over three years, and so many tragedies — more than I ever thought I could handle.
Telling these stories will help me to get through. They’ll stay with me, and hopefully, with you, our readers, so that one day, when you or I get to have a picnic with friends, we remember the people who stood up to evil to protect the good in our lives, and we ask ourselves: What can I do to repay them?”
Read more stories here.
Please join the conversation and post a comment below.
Hope grows here. We share stories that inspire people, build faith, and offer lasting purpose.
We’d love to have you Subscribe to REVwords. We’ll put helpful content into your inbox Mondays and Fridays.
