“Did you exchange a walk on part in the War for a lead role in a cage” - Pink Floyd
First morning, first air raid. The wailing siren gave me a tingle up the spine, the one you get when fear is matched by defiance. Air defence over the city is holding up. The Patriot anti-missile batteries are doing a great job.
Charity is well and good but doing business together is better for both parties because it builds a relationship of equals. Part of the psychology of the oppressor is to take away the humanity of the oppressed. In Ukraine’s case that process is facilitated by us if we see Ukraine as poor, foreign and unlike us, its situation hopeless, the plight of its people pitiable.
None of that is true.
The truth is Ukraine is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan, democratic country and proud people. That is my witness. We need to maintain normality as far as possible.
Much can be achieved by maintaining business as usual, including tourism, so that Ukraine’s economy ticks over and is ready to flourish when the little despot over the border with notions of empire pops his clogs.
Neither should we pat ourselves on the back for gifting matériels, because it is an investment in all our futures and the other party to the bargain - the young Ukrainians using those arms - contribute something worth impossible multiples our capital outlay.
Lviv is a beautiful city. Its people are friendly and welcoming. It is brimming with culture - unfortunately, I will miss the next performance in its stunning opera house. I walked through the centre of town at midnight and felt safer than I do in Sydney. The food scene is exceptional. Guide Michelin needs to find its balls and get over here.
One day I’ll get to see Odessa and Kiev.
Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦! Pronounced: sla-va ooh-kra-ee-nee. Meaning: Glory to Ukraine.
Where I slept: LOFT7: Very nicely appointed, very friendly and great position.
Where I ate: Amadeus: Great cocktails. Traditional fare.
