After a lot of deliberation about putting my face on the internet, I’ve realized that there is a certain human factor that helps people understand your motivations a little bit more. My name is Yana (that’s short for my real name which is way too long) and I’ve been supporting Ukraine since I emerged from the womb of a first generation Ukrainian-American. (As far as Canada goes, I moved there myself) I am one of two people behind @SlavaUkrainiOrg. I’ve been in Kyiv since May and went back to Canada for a week, but other than that, I’ve been here. Some people ask me why I have such an undying attachment to Ukraine, especially during dangerous times. The answer hasn’t changed since before the war. This is a society I fit into with people that truly care for each other. Having Ukrainian family, I know too well that we went through VERY dark times. I couldn’t be more proud that today, Ukrainians focus on bringing light into the current darkness. I hope to be a person that continues to bring light (and tangible resources, of course) I had a lot of things going for me in North America: experience in federal government, healthcare, business, software/web development, and aviation. My dream was always to do nonprofit work - something where money is not the motivation to keep the momentum. Then I made a silly little fella account just to see what this was about. Then I signed up to drive with @D2SLUK. Then I got connected with Parry at @SlavaUkrainiOrg, who is one of the most humble and kind people I’ve met. Then together, we all got a handful of ambulances here. Another one coming soon. Another convoy planned for September. A new project I’m working on for humanitarian assistance. New friends. New connections. More reasons to stay involved. I might not be earning any income right now. I might be stubborn in the way that I was afraid to show my face. I realized that at the end of the day, I leave a legacy, and it’s not how much money is in my bank account; it’s that I had respectable character. Without my character, I am nothing. No one is remembered for what company they worked for, how rich they were, what car they drove, or how big their house is. You’re remembered for how you made others feel and what you did to make a difference. All this to say My name is Yana and I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been supporting Ukraine for 30 years now. Please do not use any of my photos here to find my personal accounts. Don’t be weird. Stalk @SlavaUkrainiOrg and what we do instead.

I am going through some grief at the moment so I haven’t been responding to everyone. Apologies. I get so angry at the fact foreign volunteers get killed. The war rulebook says no but they did it anyway. Fuck

I need yall to put russia’s lack of forethought into perspective for a second. These people want to invade and take care of Pripyat? Why? It’s already destroyed. The realistic value of that land is lower than the ruble. Just let us keep Pripyat. Ain’t nothing happening there

I thought today was Thursday so I changed my flight to Saturday because I feel too sick to fly and know I need to rest. It’s not Thursday yet. If anyone has seen a brain anywhere, let me know. I’ve lost mine

I’m trying to sleep through as much as possible, apologies for my lack of communication

I left him with his grandparents while I was in Ukraine and you can’t really tell by the pictures but HE GAINED 4 KILOGRAMS FROM STEALING THE OTHER DOG’S MEALS HE WAS 6 KG HE IS NOW 10 KG THIS IS THE FATTEST POMERANIAN I HAVE EVER SEEN HOW DID HE GET AWAY WITH THAT

I hate being on non-Ukrainian trains because what do you mean talking about various types of explosives is frowned upon

I want everyone to know about Armiya Volunteriv in Kyiv. They have an entire flat rented that’s filled with donated items for soldiers, civilians in need, children, anyone. Toiletries, foods, clothes, blankets, toys… if you need it, they probably have it. Send them a message (they speak Ukrainian and would probably appreciate a translation, but they’re quick to pull out a translator app in person and wouldn’t let me even attempt speaking Ukrainian) letting them know what you need and they’ll do their best. Truly very kind people. instagram.com/armiya_volonte…

Maybe I’m in a bad mood but I’m tired of people boycotting art. You can still read your fav books even if the author is a bitch. You can still download your fav music and listen to it after the artist got canceled. Art used to be a private thing to enjoy and now it’s capitalism.

I can become an enormous pain in the ass when circumstances require an enormous pain in the ass. And I consider that a perfectly respectable public service.

That viral photo of the evangelical trolling the Catholic priest is one of the reasons I loathe wearing clerical garments on planes. That and people expect me to be kind and nice. When I just want to take my xanax to endure the Flying Death Tube.

Unsurprisingly, my blood tests came back a mess, and left my doctor and I with more questions than answers. Still waiting on some results and hopefully that provides answers. The ТЦК needs to conscript more mosquitoes and ticks. They’re out there infecting the wrong people.

Talked to my dad in Kyiv. He had a very important meeting today and was coming home late. On the way, he stopped at some random gas station to use the bathroom. It was only after he got home that he realized he had left his bag there. Not only were his wallet and his passport inside, but so was his wife’s passport. He set off to retrace his route and eventually made it back to the right gas station. He went up to the cashier and explained the situation. She pulled his bag out from under the counter and handed it to him. My dad told her that since he couldn’t thank the person who had brought the bag to her, he wanted to give her something for keeping it safe. She refused to take his money. This is the Ukraine I know — a place where the majority of people are good, decent people who choose to do the right thing. I wish I could personally thank Kateryna, the gas station attendant, and the unnamed man who found my father’s bag. Since I can’t, I’m writing this down so I can hold them up as examples of what is right in this world.

Seeing Starlink advertisements on here while logged into a NAFO account is peak irony.

I don’t think she understands “if you want me to shut up about the cause, donate to the cause”

These are AMAZING I’m not good at plating, I attempted something in the middle but gave up Idc what anyone says about leaving the potato filling plain… cheese and dill is the way 🤩🤩🤩

Happy to help first responders in Zap!

Dumplings b dumplinged. Dough is thinner than I wanted but it’s too late. Onions are caramelized, butter is browning. 🥟

Making varenyky filling with absolutely no clue what I’m doing. Potatoes, dill, parsley, egg yolks, Bulgarian feta (that’s what was at the store), some ricotta, tiny bit of flour because I overmashed the potatoes. Time for a nap and then dumpling-ing them.