Among the heartbreaking images of death and destruction coming out of Ukraine on Friday was an inspiring photo shared by former First Lady Kateryna Yushchenko, an 80-year-old man enlisting in the army to fight for his grandchildren.
Yushchenko – who grew up in America and is married to Viktor Yushchenko – published the photo Twitter on Thursday night.
“Someone posted a picture of the 80-year-old, who showed up to join the army, carrying a small case with 2 T-shirts, a pair of extra pants, a toothbrush and a few lunch sandwiches. He said he was doing it for his grandchildren, “she said.
It is unclear where the photo was taken, but it spread around the world on Friday Russia launches an attack on Ukraine.
Civilians across the country are taking up arms against Putin’s troops.
Former First Lady Katerina Yushchenko of an 80-year-old man who enlists in the army to fight for her grandchildren
President Vladimir Zelensky released a video Friday showing him in central Kiev with members of his cabinet.
They are determined to stay and fight, he said, along with the country’s men and women.
“We are all here and it will be so,” he said.
Yushchenko grew up in Chicago and is the daughter of Ukrainian diplomats. She serves in the US State Department and the Reagan White House.
She and Kerry Kennedy wrote a post on Thursday Chicago Tribune appealing to Ukrainian Americans, asking them to “spread” the truth about what is happening in the region.
It is unclear where Yushchenko lives now. In their post with Kennedy, the couple mentioned that her husband was poisoned during his 2004 campaign.
“Russia has carried out targeted attacks on Ukraine, a horrific act that we condemn.
Kateryna Yushchenko is the wife of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, shown above in 2004 while running for office. He was poisoned during his campaign and has long believed it was the Kremlin trying to kill him and support his pro-Russian adversary.
Ukrainian troops occupy a bridgehead in the city of Kiev as Russian forces advance toward the capital
Soldiers tasked with defending Kiev from Russian troops take up positions under the city’s highway
Volunteers, one with an AK-47 rifle, defend the main road leading to Kiev on February 25, 2022. – Ukrainian forces fought against Russian invaders on the streets of the capital Kiev on February 25, 2022.
Volunteer holding a rifle defends a main road leading to Kiev on February 25, 2022.
A young couple joining the Territorial Defense fighters smile after receiving weapons and ammunition in Kiev, Ukraine, February 25, 2022.
Members of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine load ammunition after receiving weapons to protect the city of Kiev, Ukraine, February 25, 2022.
“It’s time for the rest of the world to wake up. It must commit to doing more. More than when Putin invaded Georgia in 2008.
“More than in response to his illegal occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine in 2014.
“This time, the West must be prepared with a multilateral plan to offer support to Ukrainians to ensure the survival and success of freedom,” the two said in a statement.
The photo of the elderly man was among the many inspiring images of Ukrainians who remain determined to fight for their country.
A Marine is hailed as a hero for blowing up a key bridge that the Russians wanted to cross near Crimea, killing himself with it to stop them.
The Marine is designated by the General Staff of the Armed Forces as Vitaly Shakun. He was driving the Henichesk Bridge in the Kherson region when the Russians stepped in and mined it.
Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko holds a Kalashnikov assault rifle while interviewed on Friday. He joined the Civil Territorial Defense on the streets of Ukraine and said there were a number of people who wanted to help but did not have enough weapons
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted this video online on Friday night, showing that he and members of his cabinet are still in Kiev at government offices. “We are all here and it will be so,” he said
Vitaly Shakun was driving the Henichesk Bridge in the Kherson region when the Russians advanced. According to a post on the Facebook page of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the battalion has decided that the only way to stop them is to blow up the bridge.
Former First Lady of Ukraine Marina Poroshenko distributes sandwiches to soldiers of the Territorial Defense in Kiev
His efforts and the efforts of the Ukrainian armed forces have slowed the Russians significantly – a senior defense official was quoted as saying by CNN that Russian troops are facing “greater resistance” than expected.
“I can’t give you the exact geographical location where they are, but they are not moving to Kiev as fast as they expected they could.
‘[They are] they are meeting more resistance than they expected, “they added.
On the streets of Kiev, former leader Petro Poroshenko was among many civilians forming territorial defense squadrons, ready to stand up to Putin’s people when they present themselves.
In an emotional interview with CNN, Poroshenko raised his Kalashnikov and vowed never to give in to the Russian leader or his army.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky uploaded a video Thursday night showing him still in Kiev, in government office.
“We are all here. Our soldiers are here. The citizens are here and we are here. We defend our independence. That’s how it will happen.
“Glory to our defenders, men and women, glory to Ukraine!” He said.
Night has already fallen in Ukraine and people on earth say it is eerily quiet, except for the distant roar of explosions and small shelling.