For the editor:

I am writing this letter from western Ukraine. I fled my home in Kyiv after hearing the first explosions on February 24. Here, the fear is indescribable: we are always listening to the sirens of the air raids, always ready to run towards the bunker.

Simple actions like taking a shower or cooking breakfast turn into missions that can be interrupted by sirens at any time. Some unexpected talents surface, like getting a massage or offering comfort when emotions run high.

Despite the danger, I do not intend to leave the country. No one in Ukraine is safe at the moment, and many are bravely joining the fight, volunteering for the army or paramilitaries, tending to the wounded or sourcing supplies from abroad.

Right now I am fighting for Ukraine on the front line of the information war. I am doing all I can to share the brutal situation in my country with the world through the media and social networks. I call on journalists around the world to continue to tell our stories with truth and rigor.

Kate Maslenkova
Ternopil, Ukraine

For the editor:

Observing the Russian-Ukrainian situation, I am somewhat alarmed when I see the international media cheering the Ukrainians to an impossible victory. Does anyone really think they can stop the gargantuan Russian army indefinitely? It’s almost like watching a sporting event, and the underdogs cling to it, but we always know the inevitable outcome.

The civilian population was invited to fight the Russians in the streets with guns provided and instructions for making Molotov cocktails. The Russians will feel like they have no choice but to slaughter countless civilians.

It is only a matter of time before the overwhelming force of this world power decimates this country. I therefore admire the courage of the Ukrainian people, but I fear that this futile exercise will have tragic consequences for the civilian resistance fighters.

The sad truth is that as long as Vladimir Putin has a nuke pointed at our collective heads, we can do nothing but watch in horror.

Scott Thompson
Bloomington, Ind.

For the editor:

We did not come to the defense of European nations in World War II until many died. And while this decision may still spark debate, it feels like we’re once again at a pivotal moment in history when friends ask for our help to prevent their certain destruction.

Except now this war is being delivered on video around the world instantly – live and in color. We are witnessing the death of a free and democratic nation before our eyes and the murder of hundreds, even thousands of people.

As NATO members, we congratulate each other on taking “unprecedented action” on sanctions. A pipeline is canceled, and yet the tanks are rolling. We have cut off some of Russia’s financial channels, and yet the bombs are flying. By continuing to buy Russian oil, we are financing this massacre.

In Ukraine, we say: “My God, if only you were in our NATO club, then we would really help you. We will send ammunition and help with your refugees. This approach will not stop Vladimir Putin.

I don’t want war. But how many people have to die before we realize it’s already on the free world? We can’t look away. We have to stop Vladimir Putin now.

Kerry Sweeney
Pawtucket, RI

For the editor:

Wouldn’t it be a great idea to paint the colors of the Ukrainian flag – blue and yellow – on the street in front of every Russian consulate in the United States?

Susan Addelston
new York

Outraged by Met action against Anna Netrebko

For the editor:

Regarding “Met Opera to Russian Diva: No Disavowal, No Bookings” (Weekend Arts, March 4):

Anna Netrebko denounced the war in Ukraine but did not want to denounce the president of her homeland, Vladimir Putin. For her stance against being told what to say to stay employed, she was banned from performing on stage at the Met for the next two seasons.

Well, here is an opera-goer who is outraged by Mr Putin’s invasion but also recoils from demanding forced speech in the name of democracy, and feels the Met should reconsider hasty to cut ties with Mrs. Netrebko. His declared opposition to the war is more than enough.

Stanley Spiegel
Brookline, Mass.

Men: do you need another reason to get vaccinated?

For the editor:

Regarding “Research links erection problems to coronavirus” (news article, March 2):

Finally, a potent scientific weapon in the fight against the Covid anti-vaccination movement (or at least half of it) that demands wide dissemination: as the loudest anti-vaxxers declare their willingness to die rather than accept the vaccine, how many people involved males, if they knew, would voluntarily jeopardize their virility?

David A. Epstein
Hollywood, Florida.
The author is a retired nuclear medicine physician.

A successful retirement

For the editor:

Re “Wade In, if You’re Not Ready to Jump” (Retreat, Sunday Business, February 20):

John F. Wasik’s article on retirement planning covered most of the practical issues (Social Security, health care) but missed a key question – what to do after retirement. People used to being highly productive or influential can suddenly find themselves at sea when faced with the prospect of no longer being in the office (or on Zoom) and leading or influencing other people.

Having an outlet for those creative juices can be as important to a successful retirement as having a solid financial foundation.

Robert Checchio
Dunellen, New Jersey