Editor’s Note: Bristol resident Patty Heather-Lea met the Ukrainian writer of this letter and asked to share it with our readers.

For three long years, we, Ukrainians, have been defending our land.  The world, which once guaranteed us the inviolability of our borders, is now turning away and saying: if you want peace, surrender!

But surrendering to the enemy is not peace!

This is voluntary slavery offered to Ukraine by the great powers.  Ukrainians do not want to be slaves, they do not want to be refugees or emigrants. Ukrainians want to live as before on their land, in their homes.

People, wake up, peace is not a bargaining chip!

Where has the civilized world disappeared to where living peacefully on your own land is a legal right for everyone?

What is left for people who have been deprived of their homes and the right to life?

Who will accept them on their territory? How long will they be welcome there?

I have so many questions, but I already know the answers.

It is hard to hope when hope is slowly disappearing.

Pray for Ukraine.

Or better yet, contact your leaders to remind them that with their tacit consent, slavery and captivity are returning.

Such a world can no longer be considered civilized.

I cry bitterly from powerlessness, then put on a smile and go to work.

Every year it is more and more difficult for me to do my job, because I am asking people to believe in what other countries are denying with their actions.

I am tired of keeping faith in people’s hearts because people in my country are losing hope for justice…

Please help me!

Support Ukraine, don’t be silent.

Olha Lychko-Parubocha

Ukraine