Bravery Under Bombs: Librarian in Kherson
This is our interview.
Tetiana Sushkova is a librarian in a south eastern Ukrainian city of Kherson. People there have a word for daily life now: safari. Russian drones (with russian pilots positions just across the river) hunt Ukrainian civilians going to work, to the store, to the bus. Two or three minibuses can get hit in a day. Many Tetiana knew before the war who could leave, left. Her friends begged her to go too. She stayed. She can’t fully explain why, except that leaving felt wrong. “I felt that I had to be right here,” she says. “If I were far from home, I simply wouldn’t be able to be happy.”
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Eight months under russian occupation Tetiana wouldn’t work as a librarian. Not for them. So she sold fish at the market to get by. She gave some to the elderly people who couldn’t get their pensions anymore, the seniors with despair in their eyes. Every morning she stopped at an icon, prayed and asked to not miss anyone who really needed help. After the city was liberated by Ukrainian Armed Forces, those same pensioners started bringing Tetiana canned food to say thank you, and got upset when she wouldn’t accept their offers. Tetiana tears up re-telling that part.
Now Tetiana is back at the Kherson Central Children’s Library. She runs events for kids in the shelter underground, where the shelling can’t reach them, a few hours to feel like a kid again. She and the children wrote a book about living under occupation, in their own words. Her wishes are heartbreakingly humble and specific: a camera for the library, a warmer shelter, a playground in the library yard. Ability to go outside. And someday, a walk along the river with a coffee in her hand, no explosions, nothing to be afraid of.
In Kherson, as russia continues trying to erase normal life, Tetiana protects Ukraine’s future; she gives kids a glimpse at a normal childhood.
Tetiana Sushkova just doesn’t give up! I’m in awe of this fearless librarian, a WOW Woman in Kherson, Ukraine. Proud to know women like her and honoured to share her story with you.
Please share, support and continue to stand with Ukraine!
