I just learned that Olexandr is dead. A couple of years ago, I wrote a song about his sister’s daughter, Svitlana, who was murdered by a Russian shell along with her friend Kristina. I addressed the song to Svitlana’s younger sister, Sasha.
Now Olexandr is dead – Oleksandr Semeykin. Before the invasion, Olexandr was a salesman, but he was killed when he and his unit covered their fellow soldiers during an organised retreat outside Avdiivka in the Donetsk region.
Oleksandr, Svitlana, Kristina – and thousands upon thousands of other young people – are dying and leaving behind lifelong grief and trauma for so many more.
What are we, who still live in safety, doing? It’s as if we lack empathy. Our politicians do not stand tall. We are not providing the support that is needed. We don’t even understand our own best interest – instead, we allow fascist dictatorships to gain ground, metre by metre.
Right now, we are living in an illusion of safety. We know nothing else and seem unable to imagine what our future could be if we don’t help Ukraine win the war against terror and horror.
Olexandr was buried beside his sister’s daughter, Svitlana.
Rest in peace, Olexandr and Svitlana.
Share the song
https://open.spotify.com/track/7g9LKRH1HZLaVoM2gY3JOE?si=e38b4a8ed8c345f6
It helps me fundraise yet an ambulance. I just return from Ukraine with my first vehicle, I want to be back with another one as soon as possible.
If you want to donate:
Swish: 123 – 672 42 31
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ambulancebywahlander
Slava Ukraini