Profiles in Courage

Fierce fighting is now taking place in the streets of Kyiv. Courageous Ukrainian soldiers and citizens are valiantly attempting to stave off ferocious Russian attacks. Kira Rudik and Volodymyr Zelensky are providing remarkable examples of courage and conviction. Their words and actions speak for themselves:

Kira Rudik is a 36-year-old elected member of the Ukrainian Parliament. She told CNN, “I planned to plant tulips and daffodils on my backyard today. Instead, I learn to fire arms and get ready for the next night of attacks on Kyiv. This is our city, our land, our soil. We will fight for it. So next week I can plant my flowers.”

Ukrainian President Zelensky is also demonstrating remarkable courage and conviction. Last night he told the Ukrainian people, “I’m here. We are not putting down any arms.” He refused NATO offers to help him evacuate Kyiv. Zelensky defiantly told President Biden, “The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride.”

The United States and our NATO allies need to do more than just applaud the courage of Rudik, Zelensky, and the thousands of other Ukrainian freedom fighters. The Ukrainian border with Poland is still open. We should immediately send urgently needed ammunition and weapons to help Ukrainians defend themselves.

The United States is the leader of the Free World. It is time we act like it. Democracy is under attack. We must remember that Putin and the world’s murderous tyrants will stick together. It is time for us to get past our petty differences about wearing face masks and remember that we are “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

CNN, Ukrainian coverage
Larry Krieger

Larry Krieger

Author · Instructor

In a career spanning more than 40 years, Larry Krieger taught a variety of AP subjects including Art History, U. S. History, European History, and American Government. Mr. Krieger has published popular books that have enabled students across the country to be confident in their abilities when facing AP and SAT exams.

AP Test Prep Books

Fast Review, AP U.S. History 2022 Exam
US History

The Insider’s FAST REVIEW

Doing the DBQ, AP U.S. History 2022 Exam
US History

Doing the DBQ

AP US History: A Strategic Review, Second Edition
US History

A Strategic Review
second edition

Art History

Volume 3 | Beyond the European Tradition with Global Contemporary

US History

The Essential Content