Zarina Zabrisky was among the first journalists to set foot in the Ukrainian city of Kherson after its liberation from nine months of Russian occupation. This is what she saw, heard...and smelled.
What an incredible dispatch. I can only remember a beautiful scene of Ukraine from before Putin, when there was snow, beautiful trees and peace. May it be so again, unmarried by the ugly of war…
Every time I read Zarina’s articles I’m reminded of how peerless in vacuous idiocy Putin, and those sycophants who celebrate his demented behavior really are. She has great courage and compassion to wander into the eye of Putins insanity. Her safety is always my concern! Thanks for this Greg!
"Russia is an insane, sick land, in the throes of its sickness and squalor, digging its own grave. A serial killer of a country on the prowl, putting bags over people’s heads, violating plastic mannequins with the guns. The reality wrap shifted there, glitching as if a non-existent cat pulled on it with its sharp claw." ZZ
I had read her earlier commentary. With each article my anger at Russia, my patience with its continued existence has waned, my desire to see its total demise has become a conscious longing. It is a strange thing to carry such unresolved anger...and probably not a healthy one, either. Hating something only connects you more, not less. But the connection is not something I sought in the first place, either.
I had read all of Ernie Pyle's and Richard Tragaskis' WWII correspondence, the horrors of Europe and the Pacific War. My father and several uncles served in those places. I've known a Bataan Death March survivor. It is always difficult to diminish, much less forget, the horrors that precede us and, yet, return to engulf us in so many ways even when we're thousands of miles and years from the actual scene.
Yet, I find war correspondents like Zarina essential to my understanding of this life. It highlights the security I enjoy but also underscores the lingering threats that are never that far away, even in the safest of times, to me and all those I know and to my family. In a way, I suppose, we share the price Zarina and others like her endure, to bring the truth face-to-face to our lives. Part of me is so thankful that such writing and images can be shared, that such brave persons feel compelled to endure and sometimes die in the face of such a calling. There is not enough thanks to ever cover the debt.
I can feel your courage, bravery and intelligence in every word you write. Thank you for witnessing this and telling us about it. You wonder why you focus on torture. Because the world needs to know. So many people would prefer to believe it isn't happening and doesn't happen. Every person needs to know that these despicable events are happening. I only hope one day the torturers are held responsible and your accounting of events can help. Though I cannot think of an equitable punishment to atone for the torture and murder and rape that has taken place by these serial killers.
What an incredible dispatch. I can only remember a beautiful scene of Ukraine from before Putin, when there was snow, beautiful trees and peace. May it be so again, unmarried by the ugly of war…
That was a visceral read. Thanks for sharing her beautiful writing. Praying for her safety (and for all Ukraine) from my warm, well-lit home.
Greg: Many thanks for "loaning" your platform to Zarina Zabrisky to impart her incredible story told in such a unique and visceral way.
Zarina: I say this with all due respect...You rock!
You are very brave, Zarina. Thank you for doing this important work
Every time I read Zarina’s articles I’m reminded of how peerless in vacuous idiocy Putin, and those sycophants who celebrate his demented behavior really are. She has great courage and compassion to wander into the eye of Putins insanity. Her safety is always my concern! Thanks for this Greg!
On the ground
Excellent reporting by a Real "Reporter."
Thank you
"Russia is an insane, sick land, in the throes of its sickness and squalor, digging its own grave. A serial killer of a country on the prowl, putting bags over people’s heads, violating plastic mannequins with the guns. The reality wrap shifted there, glitching as if a non-existent cat pulled on it with its sharp claw." ZZ
I had read her earlier commentary. With each article my anger at Russia, my patience with its continued existence has waned, my desire to see its total demise has become a conscious longing. It is a strange thing to carry such unresolved anger...and probably not a healthy one, either. Hating something only connects you more, not less. But the connection is not something I sought in the first place, either.
I had read all of Ernie Pyle's and Richard Tragaskis' WWII correspondence, the horrors of Europe and the Pacific War. My father and several uncles served in those places. I've known a Bataan Death March survivor. It is always difficult to diminish, much less forget, the horrors that precede us and, yet, return to engulf us in so many ways even when we're thousands of miles and years from the actual scene.
Yet, I find war correspondents like Zarina essential to my understanding of this life. It highlights the security I enjoy but also underscores the lingering threats that are never that far away, even in the safest of times, to me and all those I know and to my family. In a way, I suppose, we share the price Zarina and others like her endure, to bring the truth face-to-face to our lives. Part of me is so thankful that such writing and images can be shared, that such brave persons feel compelled to endure and sometimes die in the face of such a calling. There is not enough thanks to ever cover the debt.
Zarina Zabrisky, you are so special.
Wow, well done.
Thank You! Had to share.
This was an exceptional post. Thank you, Zarina Zabrisky, for your valiant work reporting from Ukraine. Thank you, Greg, for sharing it with us.
WOMEN OF THE WORLD, UNITE.
The male president of Peru has been arrested and replaced by a female.
Hooray
I can feel your courage, bravery and intelligence in every word you write. Thank you for witnessing this and telling us about it. You wonder why you focus on torture. Because the world needs to know. So many people would prefer to believe it isn't happening and doesn't happen. Every person needs to know that these despicable events are happening. I only hope one day the torturers are held responsible and your accounting of events can help. Though I cannot think of an equitable punishment to atone for the torture and murder and rape that has taken place by these serial killers.