Hi!
I realised that I was waiting for this moment. I love writing you letters. After having a cup of warcoffee every Sunday, I open my laptop and write 'hi'. During the week, I make some notes. It looks like, 'Oh, I need to mention this and maybe that'. I see my letters to you as tiny paintings. I am a very experimental artist, as I like to try new things and play with the power of words and images.
What is it? The Dance of Flowers, 1912
Yesterday, I visited an exhibition of works of Ukrainian folk painter Hanna Sobachko-Shostak (1883–1965). So, in this letter, you will see the pictures from the exhibition.
This week, we had three major attacks:
On January 8 (Monday), russian forces attacked critical civil infrastructure, industrial and military facilities in Ukraine with 59 air targets (mainly missiles). 4 people were killed, and 45 were injured.
On the night of January 10, two missiles hit the hotel in the centre of Kharkiv. 13 people were injured, among them a journalist from a Turkish media outlet who was staying at the hotel damaged by the attack.
In the early morning of January 13, russians attacked Ukraine with different weapons (40 in total): cruise, aeroballistic, aerial and anti-aircraft guided missiles and attack UAVs. Over 20 missiles and drones failed to reach their targets because they exploded mid-flight, landed in unpopulated areas, or met with an effective response from Ukrainian electronic warfare. The Institute for the Study of War noted that disabling over 20 missiles with the help of 'active countermeasures using electronic warfare' may be a turning point in Ukraine's electronic warfare capabilities.
We need a picture.
Decorative Panel, 1935
Last week, I mentioned that russians might have attacked Ukraine with North Korean missiles. So, Ukrainian investigators have received the first preliminary evidence that russia may have used missiles made in North Korea in the attack on Kharkiv on January 2. The US Department of State has imposed sanctions on three russian-based organisations and one individual involved in the transfer and testing of North Korean-made ballistic missiles for use by russia against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, a pro-Kremlin russian news outlet TASS, citing Rostech military industry corporation, mentioned that russia wants to start manufacturing a new Drel (Drill) cluster glide bomb in 2024. Also, Sergei Shoigu, Minister of Defence of russia, has claimed that the russian military-industrial complex will establish mass production of all types of drones, from ultra-small to heavy attack ones.
It is the photo of Hanna Sobachko-Shostak.
I want to mention the support we got. During his visit to Kyiv, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a large package of military aid for Ukraine worth £2.5 billion (approximately $3.1 billion). The package includes air defence equipment, anti-tank weapons, long-range missiles, and training for Ukrainian soldiers.
And the world is preparing for the possible future threat from russia. The Swedish prime minister announced that Sweden – despite not yet being a full member of NATO – will send troops to Latvia next year as part of a Canadian-led force to deter russian attack.
New Flowers, 1923
I am sure you are interested in how the war has impacted the lives of ordinary people. I share my experience with you. I am also going to add what I read. The State Employment Service of Ukraine informed that more women have taken up positions typically held by men during the full-scale war. Due to men being called up for military service, there are certain difficulties in filling vacancies in professions traditionally dominated by men, such as builders, electric welders, metalworkers, electricians, drivers, etc.
Meanwhile, the United Nations estimates that more than 14.6 million people, or 40% of the population in Ukraine, will need humanitarian assistance this year.
And with this picture, we are jumping towards a cultural part of the letter. As usual, I try to show you the ongoing war and what we are fighting for. This picture is a print screen I made while watching Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1964) by Sergiy Parajanov. It is a movie based on the work of Ukrainian writer Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky. Parajanov received 39 international awards and 28 prizes from various film festivals. After almost 60 years, film critics recognized the movie as the best in the history of Ukrainian cinema.
But why should you watch it? To dive deep into Carpathian traditions and the everyday lives of Ukrainians of the 19th century, Clothes, songs, food... you can see Ukraine you've never seen before. But the most important thing is how Parajanov filmed it. Some moments are incredible and genuinely innovative for 1964.
Where to watch? There is a Ukrainian platform, Takflix. You can rent the movie here (it is in Ukrainian with English subtitles; the rent is approximately $2,5).
I want to make a list of some Ukrainian movies and share them with my supporters. I hope to be ready for next week.
I do appreciate any support from you. The notifications about warcoffees are like sunshine. This sunshine helps me write, not let the world forget about our war, and share our rich Ukrainian culture. I want to do more and will introduce slight changes to my letters.
Sunday Letters will remain unchanged. I will continue sending them to all blog followers, supporters and members every Sunday.
Letters for Supporters (to everyone who ever bought me a warcoffee or more plus for members). I want to express my gratitude by sending additional letters twice a month. These letters will cover various topics, such as my experiences during the war, travels, and lists of Ukrainian books, movies, etc.
And this is new. Letters for Members (to those who support me monthly; the membership options are here). At the end of each month, I will send an additional letter with my recommendations on articles, books, films, exhibitions to visit next month, etc. Everything to help you understand and explore Ukraine and our rich culture even more.
It's important to note that the amount of monthly support depends on your financial situation (it is hard for many of us now). You can choose 5, 10, 25 or even 50 dollars per month.
Members receive all the letters I send (Sunday ones, for Supporters).
Yes, I know that you support me not to get some rewards. Please see all of these small improvements as my gratitude 🫂
You are probably tired of reading. I will give you a hug and let you live your life.
I am happy to have you. Yeah.
With a gentle bow from me and my words,
Lady with a pen
P.S. War: Hi! Air raid alert.