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Lori Clifford's avatar

Thank you for bringing attention to Ambassador Brink's courage and integrity, and for expressing what it means to you and to the people of Ukraine. My prayers are with you all.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you so much, Lori. Her work means a lot and will never be forgotten, and we know that she represented the best values of the people of the United States. Somehow those who are not on the highest levels of power tend to be outshined as the headlines go on and the news got older, her resignment was in the beginning of the week and it seems that less and less people are talking abour her, well, that's another reason this journal exists: to prevent the heroes to be forgotten! 💙

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David Monson's avatar

The sad part in your post is that she's being referred to in the past tense regarding her diplomatic work. We need more people like her, not less.

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MLS weekly news's avatar

This is one example of many people to support Ukraine.

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Irena Mangone's avatar

A woman of integrity and honour. Bravo.

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PeMi+7's avatar

Bridget is a moral person with great convictions. She is a hero in these otherwise dark times. Slava Ukraine!!

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Absolutely a hero. And the people of Ukraine wish the best for her in whatever she decides to dedicate from now on (after a short break to rest, because she deserves and she's probably in need.) 💙

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M Brown's avatar

I truly believe every single person who voted for Trump has Ukrainian blood on their hands. 💙💛

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

It's really hard to separate these thoughts, so true, but we always try to think people opted for him because of lack of information instead of purpose or "evilness." We try really hard! Thanks for standing with us, always. 💙💛

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Mark Shields's avatar

I think this is an important and brave insight, Victor, and a valid source of hope, for both your country and ours.

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Nancy's avatar

There is a difference between simple ignorance (which simply means "not knowing" and is nothing to be ashamed of; it's fairly easily cured: the moment you learn something more about something, ta-da! Cured! :D) and WILLFUL ignorance, which is a desire not to hear the truth or even let it anywhere near one's brain (like with so many Trump voters). X-P

The latter, to me, defines stupidity, and that, I have a real hard time forgiving. X-P

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Veronica Monet's avatar

A bow of respect for Bridget Brink but mostly for your heart, Viktor. Your heart that allows you to feel passion for truth and honor in the face of so much loss and destruction. Thank you for your brave heart.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you also for your heart, dear Veronica. I say that not only out of generosity or humanity, but also because I recognize that it's an absolute act of bravery to support such a distant nation like Ukraine, to raise our blue and yellow flag in your homeland, and especially, supporting us at the time when there so many people in position of power that tries to make people believe Ukraine is just, like, an unnecessary burden to the taxpayer. 💙💛

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Veronica Monet's avatar

Oh Viktor, it is Ukraine that deserves our gratitude. Your brave country gives people like me hope that democracy and the distinction between right and wrong still exist. The despair that many Americans are feeling about what is happening to our country is often more than we can bear. We look to Ukraine as an example of courage, integrity and honor that we need so much at this time. So thank you. And Slava Ukraine.

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Cassie's avatar

Viktor, Veronica has summarized the situation perfectly. Bridget Brink is the personification of exactly how MOST Americans feel about the current corrupt U.S. administration, and how we all symbolically take a knee in respect for the bravery, resilience, integrity, and ingenuity of Ukraine and its people in their fight against Russian tyranny and cruelty.

You and your fellow Ukrainians are the current heroes for democracy and freedom that the U.S. *used* to be. But these days, most of us in this world -- even those of us in the U.S. -- look to *you and YOUR people* as examples of what courage and democratic values truly look like in action, not just empty words. Slava Ukraini!

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LindyLoo's avatar

Thank you for your words. My heart and prayers are always with you and Ukraine 🇺🇦

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you Lindy, for your words, your heart, and your presence. 💙

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Suzanne Stelmock's avatar

I only learned this through your article. Not through any other news media. The insight you provide for Ukraine for the rest of the world is invaluable. You are so important to getting the truth out to the world. The truth of this war and the truth of those (as few as it seems) who have the courage to stand up and inspire others to do the same.

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Kate Kerr's avatar

It was covered (as breaking news) in the NYT and featured this evening on PBS NewsHour, where she was interviewed.

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Nancy's avatar

Nice to know the New York Times doesn't completely bend the knee and kiss the ring. :-/

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Robot Bender's avatar

Same here, Suzanne. Though I no longer find that surprising anymore.

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Just Me's avatar

Same; but I’ve been busy trying to keep my own and my family’s heads above water. We are resisting in our own way; we will never surrender.

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Carol's avatar

Thank you for speaking out about this. Like the courage of the Ukrainian people, Bridget’s courage is not being talked about in this country. It’s too genuine and too embarrassing. We are with her and with Ukraine!🩵💛🇺🇦

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you so much Carol. This journal is a tiny contribution to remember the ambassador's work, legacy, and courage, and I'm so honored to bring her to the attention she deserves. If the history books of the future forget to mention people like her, maybe this tiny journal will appear somewhere and remember the ones about the heroes that don't last too long on the headlines. 💙

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Oaths Matter's avatar

As always Viktor so well said and straight to my heart. Dignity and truth is what she stands for. It may not seem like it but so many of us do, our voices are being ignored here now but we will not stop speaking truth to power and fighting for what is right.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you for your kindness. We are living a battle where persistence and patience are having a fundamental part. Those who ignore our voices are in a circumstantial position of strength, and we don't have the privilege to silent ourselves. Please, never surrender. And never forget that we are together on this fight, because our enemies are the same and they are operating in a single evil alliance. 💙

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Oaths Matter's avatar

Yes they are. My state has the wolverine as its state animal. It is very like the badger and keeps to itself but it is strong and we value it's ability to protect it's own, it's tenacity and when needed ferocity. They have been known to drive off bears. :) So imagine your tenacious Michigan wolverine whenever you need to know someone somewhere is fighting and thinking of you and all you love.

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Nancy's avatar

Ooh, yeah! Wolverines are cousins (in the Mustelids) to honey badgers in Africa, and you KNOW how ferocious they are! :D

Even otters can take down anacondas and caiman crocodilians! Granted, they're /giant/ otters (almost 2 meters), but still! :)

Not just cute and pretty faces... ;)

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Anne P. Sacco's avatar

Thank you for writing this compelling story, I wasn't aware until I read it. Canada stands with UKR and President Zelensky, there is huge support here for you all. We will not abandon you. 💙 💛 🇨🇦

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

Thank you so much dear Anne, and thank you for your nation who will ever be a special place in our hearts for everything you have collectively done and doing for us. Sending love to Canada! 💙🇨🇦

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Optimistic's avatar

I had a long time friend come to my house. A MAGA she saw my Ukrainian flag and was very nasty and hurtful when she came in my house. She did not mention the flag but lit into me about things pertaining to another issue for them. She told me everything I said was bullshit. She just came from church and was going back right after. I was upset for days and I never said a hurtful word to her. That’s for me the end of a 30 year friendship. It was the flag. So I do think many do NOT care about who dies where, as long as they don’t think THEY are paying for it. But they are soooooooo religious. I’m done. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

Good riddance to the religious cult.

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Ken Smith's avatar

I would have made the same strong moral decision. You won't miss that negative energy in your world, and she will not change. So much for humanity in organized religions. We live our lives in personal and interpersonal spirituality.

Good on you...

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Just Me's avatar

So sorry you had to experience such atrocious behavior from a longtime friend. Find the power within yourself to forgive her, accept the lessons learned, and be grateful you are not able to be like her. Peace to you!

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Ingrid Robertshaw's avatar

I saw an interview with Ambassador BRINK. There is a person who stands straight up and speaks wit Authority and TRUTH TO POWER. I admire her! SLAVA UKRAINA

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Nicholas Samuel Stember's avatar

Thank you for sharing this.

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Viktor Kravchuk's avatar

My pleasure dear Nicholas. I feel honored to write about a person of the highest character like Ambassador Brinks. 💙💛

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Robot Bender's avatar

At last, someone in a position of power who wouldn't and couldn't tolerate the lies, injuries and deaths in Ukraine. She has my undying admiration and respect.

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AmandaR's avatar

I hope she comes back to be ambassador when those of us who support the constitution are back in control.

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Nancy's avatar

Absolutely yes! Fingers crossed! :D

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Howard Krosnick's avatar

Thank you. I am glad there are were American diplomats who have walked out in disgust. Canada stands with you.

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Theresa's avatar

Thank you for sharing this with us. Bridget showed what courage looks like. I am proud of her. She has shown that many Americans refuse to look away and hope every day for Ukraine to find peace and freedom. 🇺🇸🌻🇺🇦❤️

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Max E's avatar

Superbly written. And as an American, so proud of her and grateful to know there are some of our leaders who do the proper thing. Now if we could get the Rs in power who are supposedly afraid of Trump to step down in service to our country. We certainly don't need cowards at this important time. I plan to write my own R representative to do so.

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Nancy's avatar

You might remind your R representative that giving anything to a bully just empowers them to keep asking for more, that they'll never be satisfied. And if they're worried about being primaried soon (perhaps they're a member of the House of Representatives or a Senator up for the every-two-years-another-third re-election thing) and losing their primary to an even worse MAGA, tell them that will only encourage people to vote DEMOCRAT. >;-)

It has been known to happen... :)

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