PBS and NPR have survived in the Houston area because of generous donors who appreciate the high quality of the productions featured in both the television and radio programing. I depend on both types of media to provide me with information and entertainment that might not otherwise be available from stations committed to wealthy owners and advertisers. I often tell people that if I had to choose a single outlet for my viewing and listening pleasure it would be these two icons of fair and honest communication. 

I am a particular fan of programming on PBS like Masterpiece Theater and Frontline. Of late I have watched the new offering of The Forsytes featuring John Galsworthy’s sweeping saga but my favorites are the incredible real life stories featured on Frontline. I eagerly await each new topic knowing that I will learn so much from the insightful reporting that is the hallmark of the Frontline franchise.

Not long ago I spent a breathtaking two hours viewing 2000 Meters to Andriivka, a stunning look at a treacherous attempt by Ukrainian soldiers to retake a tiny village that had been overtaken by Russian soldiers. It was one of the most harrowing looks into the horror of war that I have ever viewed. I wanted to run away from what I was seeing at the same time that I was unable to look away. 

The route to Andriivka used by the soldiers lay along a once heavily forested area that was only two thousand meters long but may as well have been two thousand miles long given how difficult it was for the soldiers to inch their way to the once lively village. The long and dangerous push is the crux of the documentary that captures the spirit of the Ukrainian army and puts a personal face on the soldiers hoping to free their country from Russia. 

I can’t think of a single war movie that is as emotionally wrought as this documentary captured by Ukrainian film makers. It is a stunning vision of both the hell and the honor that Ukraine has endured for four years of fighting a war that was not of their making. It puts a deeply human commentary on the devastation and struggle that has been the daily reality of everyone in that war torn nation. It keeps the horror of that struggle front and center even as some silently question whether it would ultimately be better just to cede some of the land to Russia and call it quits. 

During the two hour film we get a personal glimpse into the psyches of the soldiers and the bravery that has been foisted on them. Nobody wanted this war. Nobody expected this war and the toll that it has taken on the people of Ukraine. Everyday is as difficult as the slow movement down the two thousand meters to the village of Andriivka. Lives have been forever changed and places on the map have been obliterated save for the ruins that stand where thriving communities once lived. 

I was stunned by the youthfulness of the soldiers, baby-faced young men who have set aside their aspirations to fight for their freedom. I saw my grandsons in their earnestness and fears. Some will live. Some will die. All the while the interest of the rest of the world in the Ukrainian tragedy seems to be waning. The one time alliance from the United States is gone with the presidency of Donald Trump. The only card the people of Ukraine have is their determination to be free. Like the soldiers of the American Revolution they are fighting a mighty power that has an almost endless supply of men to send into a war that they do not really understand. It is the story of David and Goliath all over again, but will the true heroes still be standing at the end?

While it is admittedly difficult to watch 2000 Meters to Andriivka I strongly feel that all of us need to steel ourselves to see what is happening in a place that we may not think matters to us. Looking away is too easy, too uncaring. Everyone in the world should be aware of what we are asking Ukraine to endure so that Putin does not realize his dream of recreating the USSR. Every decision that our nation makes should consider how we might support the brave souls who simply want the freedom from domination that our ancestors gave us with their victory over the powerful army of a long ago king. It should be in our natures to do whatever we can for a nation as determined for freedom as we have always claimed to be. 

Right now we have given the advantage to Russia. The war with Iran has made Russian oil a valuable commodity that fills their coffers with funds that will keep the war going indefinitely. Our withdrawal of help for Ukraine is the wrong move at the wrong time. The selfishness of “America First” seems to be a sham when we turn around and start our own war and upset the balance of powers in ways that will benefit the worst among us. 

Real Ukrainian heroes are offering their lives for the very freedoms that we have come to take for granted. Watch the documentary and then tell my why we should simply leave Ukraine to become a pawn of Russia. I suspect that when you witness the bravery and determination of the people of Ukraine you will surely change your mind.