By Andrew R.C. Marshall

LVIV (Ukraine) – Five days ago, millions of Ukrainians were impacted by the Russian invasion. It brought terror, death and uncertainty. Mila Hadzieva was an IT manager from Lviv’s western region. It brought her a clear sense of purpose.

Hadzieva is responsible for the coordination of hundreds of volunteers who work 24/7 at Lviv’s main distribution center for humanitarian aid, which is located in an art gallery under a 19th century palace. The centre was bustling with tourists during better times.

The gallery is crowded with volunteers who sort the donations – clothing, food and medical supplies – into boxes that can be distributed to the needy.

These include people who are waiting to board rare trains to Poland from Lviv, hundreds others who have parked in their cars or buses on the congested roads to the border.

Hadzieva said, “This is more than our fight.” As news broke on social media about a deadly rocket attack in Kharkiv’s war-torn east city, Hadzieva added: We are protecting Europe. “We are protecting democracy.”

She stated that Ukraine’s international supporters now faced “the final decision: Should we be fighting together?

Interviewees in Lviv (a 700,000. population) said they were feisty but prepared for anything.

Since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2001, more than 12 air-raid sirens have been heard. This sent many people running for shelters in basements.

Lviv has not been hit by any bombs, however, nearby cities have been affected. Hadzieva stated that “we don’t know when or whereabouts the missiles could strike.”

Many Leopolitans, as Lviv’s inhabitants are called in English, were also preparing to welcome Russian soldiers.

The majority of non-essential shops closed, in what was a slick rerun Lviv’s Pandemic Shutdown in 2020. According to the media center of Lviv, alcohol sales in restaurants and shops were banned starting Monday. “It is crucial for everyone to remain focused,” said the centre.

“WE WON’T FORGIVE THEM!”

Lviv is bordered by military checkpoints, manned by soldiers. This caused lengthy tailbacks at nights. From 10 p.m. up to 6 a.m., a curfew applies.

A concrete barrier was built around an intersection in Lviv. Sandbags were placed on the tyres. Open space surrounding it was given over to anti-tank hedgehogs. They are made from scrap metal.

Nearby, dozens of uniformed reservists stood in line outside a military base. Many of these men were combat veterans from previous conflicts against Russia. An outside poster stated that “Protecting our country is everybody’s responsibility.”

Major Nazar Sobol welcomed reservists to the base. He said that they would first be briefed, given ammunition and then deploy to stop any Russian advance.

He wasn’t surprised by the fact that Russia’s vast army hadn’t subdued Ukraine’s small one. It doesn’t really matter how large your army is, he stated. “It doesn’t really matter how prepared your are.”

The major was asked how his soldiers were feeling.

Volunteers like Liliya Popovych who ran the local software business until last week, found that same optimism and determination at Lviv’s humanitarian aid center. Between teetering containers of canned food, and sacks full of potatoes, she now stood.

Her words about the Russian invasion were, “We will not forgive them.” “We will fight until the end. To the finish. To the finish.