We often say that moments of crisis do not define an individual or nation; times of crisis reveal the character of the individual or nation. What is being shown in Ukraine and underreported is simply appalling. The inhumane and racist treatment of African, Indian, and international students and families of color is shocking and unacceptable to the world. If President Zelensky is a great leader of Ukraine, he must now speak directly to his fellow citizens and tell them to stop their racist treatment of foreigners. President Zelenskyy cannot continue to appeal to the world for aid while Ukrainian officials are engaged in racist conduct against foreign people.
The stories of Ukrainian officials’ racist treatment are grossly underreported by mainstream networks that have reporters stationed all over the country. One only sees persons of color in the background as the major news networks only interview faces of “Ukrainians”—White faces. Are not the foreigners’ lives in just as much danger as the Ukrainian’s lives are? Will the bullets and bombs from the Russian military somehow only target Ukrainians? I would argue that the lives of foreigners in Ukraine are at greater risk than Ukrainians. If foreigners are taken off the trains and buses and told to walk, they are at greater risk if they are not provided the same access to food, water, shelter, and transportation as Ukrainian.
The racist stories of foreigners being denied transportation and told to walk miles in the cold from checkpoint to the checkpoint are not seen on mainstream media. Thank God for social media. It appears former President Trump was right about the media; they do not report the whole truth.
Therefore, I am vehemently opposed to the United States providing aid, and our tax dollars will support a country that engages in racist treatment even in wartime. If you are suffering inhumane treatment, one would think that you would be compassionate with your fellow travelers. That is not what is being revealed.
We need to call upon our government leaders here in the United States to reassess the foreign aid package offered to Eastern European countries. All aid should be withheld until President Zelenskyy publicly denounces racism to his nation. If he does not make the announcement, then the world will have its answer. Ukrainian officials value their lives above the lives of foreigners who are fellow travelers seeking the same safe passage and care that any refugee would seek.