By Arsen Avakov
06.22.2014
Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine

Arsen Avakov

These past couple of days I did a lot of talking to our soldiers–from a general to a private–who are serving in the ATO zone, and I would like to say a few words about something that is truly important.

War cannot produce light feelings but it can generate a cleansing. Anything fake and superficial burns out in the fire of war very fast, as if deliberately leaving space for the PRESENT. Through discomfort and pain, through the death of our friends and the need to kill in retaliation, through fear for our loved ones and by watching the plight of people who have lost their homes. This war is not easy for anyone, but the cleansing and atonement of each one of us are the necessary conditions of victory.

The Atonement…It always comes as an unavoidable cost of our actions. Different atonements are reserved for each and every one of us–for me, for you, for Donbas, and for Ukraine. We each get what we deserve and what we can handle. Ukraine will handle it and so should you. You must not give up. You clench your teeth and handle your atonement; you do, DO what you must.

Ps: I noticed a strange coincidence today: the English word “atonement” coincidentally starts with the letters ATO [the author is referring to the Anti-Terrorist Operation that is ongoing now in Ukraine].

Source: Arsen Avakov FB