A year of unimaginable horror in Ukraine

The MoJo Daily newsletter, Monday through Friday. [View in browser]( [Mother Jones Daily Newsletter](     February 24, 2023 Today, in a speech marking the first anniversary of Russia’s brutal invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to push for victory and praised Ukrainians for their enduring strength. "Our faith has grown stronger. Our morale has been reinforced. We endured the first day of a full-scale war," Zelenskyy said in a [defiant speech]( that referred to February 24, 2022, as the “hardest day” of Ukraine’s modern history. "We didn’t know what would happen tomorrow, but we realized for sure: Every tomorrow is worth fighting for." Zelenskyy, in a separate news conference marking the anniversary, said that Ukraine could win the war as long as its allies remained united “like a fist.” The remarks came as China, Russia’s closest ally, published a 12-step plan outlining steps for a ceasefire. But the plan has been roundly dismissed by Ukrainian allies, including NATO, as an [empty public relations document](. Since the start of the war, Mother Jones has been on the scene in Ukraine, [documenting the initial days of mass exodus,]( as well as the emotional toll of returning home—[only to discover rubble and dust in its place](. Kyiv-based journalist, Sam Skove, reported on the horrors inside Russian detention. In the piece, Skove told the story of Anatolii Harahatii, a Ukrainian photographer who was detained by Russian operatives under suspicion of aiding the Ukrainian military. He was imprisoned for weeks, and tortured by beatings and electric shocks as his captors tried to elicit information since the Russians believed he had been telling Ukrainian troops their positions. Sometimes, it was punishment for saying some Ukrainian words rather than Russian ones as he was being interrogated. Anatolii, like many Ukrainians, speaks both languages. If you haven't already, check out Skove's most recent post, telling the awe-inspiring story of the Ukrainian evacuation effort that started with [one humble group chat](. —Arianna Coghill Advertisement [Simon and Schuster]( [Top Story] [Top Story]( [The Awe-Inspiring Ukrainian Evacuation Effort that Started With a Group Chat]( Led by a former missionary, US truckdriver, Ukrainian businessman, and the leader of the resistance. BY SAM SKOVE SPONSORED CONTENT ARIZONA LUMINARIA   Get local heart and national context with Arizona Luminaria's newsletter Join the Arizona Luminaria community and [sign up for our weekly newsletter](. As a nonprofit news organization, we publish community stories you won't see anywhere else. Our topic areas — education, equity, community, voting, and the environment — offer readers the opportunity to take action, hold officials accountable and gain deeper understanding of complex issues. Don't miss out on the chance to stay informed and make a difference in your community. [Sign up for the newsletter today](. [Trending] [Sam Bankman-Fried was indicted for hundreds of illegal campaign donations. Who else knew?]( BY RUSS CHOMA   [Biden urged to reject Texas oil terminals that could create "carbon bombs"]( BY OLIVER MILMAN   [A Mississippi cop who shot a Black 15-year-old in the head won't face criminal charges]( BY SAMANTHA MICHAELS   [The surprising communities thriving in the time of war]( BY KATIE DANCEY-DOWNS Advertisement [Simon and Schuster]( [Special Feature] [Special Feature]( [The Missionary Positions of Nikki Haley’s Idol: Pastor John Hagee]( He has said gay pride caused Hurricane Katrina and that God sent Hitler to create Israel. Haley put him centerstage. BY SAM VANPYKEREN [Fiercely Independent] Support from readers allows Mother Jones to do journalism that doesn't just follow the pack. [Donate]( Did you enjoy this newsletter? Help us out by [forwarding]( it to a friend or sharing it on [Facebook]( and [Twitter](. [Mother Jones]( [Donate]( [Donate Monthly]( [Subscribe]( This message was sent to {EMAIL}. To change the messages you receive from us, you can [edit your email preferences]( or [unsubscribe from all mailings.]( For advertising opportunities see our online [media kit.]( Were you forwarded this email? [Sign up for Mother Jones' newsletters today.]( [www.MotherJones.com]( PO Box 8539, Big Sandy, TX 75755