I have lived and traveled significantly in Eastern Europe. A large portion of my time was spent in Slovenia, a country that declared independence from Yugoslavia in the early 90’s. Slovenia has maintained its independence and cultivated a strong modern economy, joining NATO in 2004. Ukraine became independent shortly thereafter with the collapse of the Soviet Union. When I traveled there in 2005 I was greeted by an incredible vibrance in culture and people. They had just ousted a controversially elected President supported by Russia in the Orange Revolution, and the people felt that they were in the midst of an economic and political transformation. It was not uncommon to meet friends at markets on the streets that ran to buy bottles of Ukrainian vodka so we could drink together. Raising our glasses to the the Ukrainian toast Budmo (pronounced Bood – more with a soft “r”) which I believe translates as “Long live us” or “Let us be”. Russia has never let Ukraine be since they became independent. They’ve continued to interfere in Ukrainian life and politics for the same trumped up reasons that Putin is using for this invasion. And now it has come to a violent war by unprovoked invasion of a sovereign nation. Ukraine deserves their independence. Ukraine should be allowed to join NATO, as Slovenia has. I stand with Ukraine. We stand with Ukraine 🇺🇦 And I raise a glass with you in solidarity and I pray that those strangers that showed me such kindnesses all those years ago are safe. Budmo, my friends. May you live long and be left to be.