@mainebogboy.bsky.social
Retired University Science Librarian, former director Orono Bog Boardwalk (2008-2024), birdwatcher,community volunteer, Democrat, lover of craft beer, proud UC Riverside graduate.
From my friend Olena this morning. Please keep their families in your thoughts today. This must stop! The US could make it so if only they would fully support Ukraine’s fight against these terrorists. Jim
15 people were murdered and seven injured in the russian terrorist attack against the DTEK miner's bus in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The miners were going home after the work shift.
This is horrifying. russia continues murdering Ukrainians every single day. It doesn't want peace.
This is horrifying. russia continues murdering Ukrainians every single day. It doesn't want peace.
February 1, 2026 at 4:58 PM
From my friend Olena this morning. Please keep their families in your thoughts today. This must stop! The US could make it so if only they would fully support Ukraine’s fight against these terrorists. Jim
Below is Yaroslava’s update this morning, Sunday. Please keep her and Ukraine in your thoughts. Yaroslava is such a strong voice for Ukraine. Please support her if you’re able. You will learn much about Ukrainian history and culture. Thanks, Jim
Greetings from Kyiv,
where it’s -15 °C (-24…-26 expected tonight).
According to the mayor, about 1,000 high-rise buildings are still without heating.
Ours isn’t among them, the heat is low but at least it’s there.
This is our reality. Ukrainians freezing in their homes.
where it’s -15 °C (-24…-26 expected tonight).
According to the mayor, about 1,000 high-rise buildings are still without heating.
Ours isn’t among them, the heat is low but at least it’s there.
This is our reality. Ukrainians freezing in their homes.
February 1, 2026 at 12:49 PM
Below is Yaroslava’s update this morning, Sunday. Please keep her and Ukraine in your thoughts. Yaroslava is such a strong voice for Ukraine. Please support her if you’re able. You will learn much about Ukrainian history and culture. Thanks, Jim
This morning’s update from Yaroslava. Please keep Kyiv in your thoughts. Yaroslava is a wonderful voice for Ukraine. Please, if can, support her. You will learn much Ukrainian history and culture. Such a fine writer. Thanks!
Kyiv.
Update.
We have sun and –10 °C, though it feels like –17 °C (according to the weather app).
That’s all.
Still no water, no heating, no electricity,
but the energy system is slowly recovering.
Update.
We have sun and –10 °C, though it feels like –17 °C (according to the weather app).
That’s all.
Still no water, no heating, no electricity,
but the energy system is slowly recovering.
January 31, 2026 at 1:30 PM
This morning’s update from Yaroslava. Please keep Kyiv in your thoughts. Yaroslava is a wonderful voice for Ukraine. Please, if can, support her. You will learn much Ukrainian history and culture. Such a fine writer. Thanks!
For all those reading about the pause in russia’s attacks on Ukraine, please read what Yaroslava has just posted an hour ago. Please spread this far and wide. It is very important for all to know this. Keep Ukraine in your hearts my friends. 🇺🇦🇺🇦
The fact that russia hasn’t attacked our energy facilities for a day doesn’t mean we have electricity or normal heating.
Kyiv.
No power, almost no heat at home.
It’s already -10 °C outside and getting colder.
russia has damaged our energy system so badly that one quiet day won’t fix anything.
Kyiv.
No power, almost no heat at home.
It’s already -10 °C outside and getting colder.
russia has damaged our energy system so badly that one quiet day won’t fix anything.
January 30, 2026 at 9:22 PM
For all those reading about the pause in russia’s attacks on Ukraine, please read what Yaroslava has just posted an hour ago. Please spread this far and wide. It is very important for all to know this. Keep Ukraine in your hearts my friends. 🇺🇦🇺🇦
Please read and think about it
January 26, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Please read and think about it
Yaroslava has just posted her Sunday letter for all to read. It is poignant narrative of what it is like to live and survive in Kyiv during this time of russian aggression. You won’t soon forget her words. She is a strong voice for her country. Please, if you are able, support her. Thank you.
I open the door to life in Kyiv.
These diaries are written for the future.
I don’t teach or preach. I record what it is like to live in Kyiv during the war.
Sunday Letter from Ukraine
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
These diaries are written for the future.
I don’t teach or preach. I record what it is like to live in Kyiv during the war.
Sunday Letter from Ukraine
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
January 25, 2026 at 10:39 PM
Yaroslava has just posted her Sunday letter for all to read. It is poignant narrative of what it is like to live and survive in Kyiv during this time of russian aggression. You won’t soon forget her words. She is a strong voice for her country. Please, if you are able, support her. Thank you.
Good news today from Yaroslava in Kyiv! If you can, please support her. She’s a wonderful spokeswoman for Ukraine, its history and culture. She’s works very hard and effectively to bring us information on Ukraine. Just a wonderful writer and thinker. Please consider supporting Yaroslava.
Kyiv.
Electricity is back.
I thought we wouldn’t see it for a few days after the night attack.
Glory to Ukrainian engineers.
Electricity is back.
I thought we wouldn’t see it for a few days after the night attack.
Glory to Ukrainian engineers.
January 24, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Good news today from Yaroslava in Kyiv! If you can, please support her. She’s a wonderful spokeswoman for Ukraine, its history and culture. She’s works very hard and effectively to bring us information on Ukraine. Just a wonderful writer and thinker. Please consider supporting Yaroslava.
Yaroslava’s post today, Saturday. Please keep her and all Ukrainians in your thoughts.
Saturday morning in Kyiv.
I woke up to
no heat,
no water,
no electricity.
Switched on the EcoFlow, made warcoffee.
No, they won’t break us.
I woke up to
no heat,
no water,
no electricity.
Switched on the EcoFlow, made warcoffee.
No, they won’t break us.
January 24, 2026 at 11:24 AM
Yaroslava’s post today, Saturday. Please keep her and all Ukrainians in your thoughts.
Most recent post from Yaroslava. Please keep her and all Ukrainians in your thoughts and in your hearts. On Monday call your representatives and demand action. That demand should include firing kushner and witkoff from the negotiations. Both are grifters and have no business representing us.
Two hard hours in Kyiv.
russia attacked our critical infrastructure again.
Drones are still snooping around.
My words change nothing, but at least you’ll know.
russia attacked our critical infrastructure again.
Drones are still snooping around.
My words change nothing, but at least you’ll know.
January 24, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Most recent post from Yaroslava. Please keep her and all Ukrainians in your thoughts and in your hearts. On Monday call your representatives and demand action. That demand should include firing kushner and witkoff from the negotiations. Both are grifters and have no business representing us.
An hour ago from my friend Xenta. Please keep Ukrainians in your thoughts and in your hearts.
Monitoring channels write: in Kyiv region
2x anti-ship cruise missiles X-32 were used
Can you imagine what anti-ship missiles mean?
These scum, whom Witkoff kisses, are launching anti-ship missiles at Ukrainians
I don’t know who is the bigger degenerate
2x anti-ship cruise missiles X-32 were used
Can you imagine what anti-ship missiles mean?
These scum, whom Witkoff kisses, are launching anti-ship missiles at Ukrainians
I don’t know who is the bigger degenerate
January 24, 2026 at 1:36 AM
An hour ago from my friend Xenta. Please keep Ukrainians in your thoughts and in your hearts.
Update on the massive attack tonight. Keep Kyiv and all Ukraine in your thoughts and in your hearts. On Monday make those calls to your representatives and demand action.
As of now, enemy launched on Kyiv and Kyiv region
6 ballistic missiles iskander
2 hypersonic missiles 3m22 circon
~2 cruise missiles 9m727
~4 cruise missiles x-32
We feel all the so-called peaceful initiatives of russia
I don’t know who I hate more
Massive attack in Kyiv and region is ongoing
6 ballistic missiles iskander
2 hypersonic missiles 3m22 circon
~2 cruise missiles 9m727
~4 cruise missiles x-32
We feel all the so-called peaceful initiatives of russia
I don’t know who I hate more
Massive attack in Kyiv and region is ongoing
January 24, 2026 at 12:58 AM
Update on the massive attack tonight. Keep Kyiv and all Ukraine in your thoughts and in your hearts. On Monday make those calls to your representatives and demand action.
Keep Kyiv and Ukraine in your thoughts right now!!
Kyiv is under heavy attack.
Windows and walls are shaking.
No water.
No electricity.
I don’t know how long the world can just watch.
Windows and walls are shaking.
No water.
No electricity.
I don’t know how long the world can just watch.
January 24, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Keep Kyiv and Ukraine in your thoughts right now!!
Please listen to Yaroslava!
I want the world to listen.
What russia is doing now by attacking Ukraine’s energy and heating infrastructure in the middle of winter is an attempt to break us, to make us give up and to erase us as a nation.
But no.
We stand.
It’s cold. It’s dark.
We are not heroes.
We stand.
What russia is doing now by attacking Ukraine’s energy and heating infrastructure in the middle of winter is an attempt to break us, to make us give up and to erase us as a nation.
But no.
We stand.
It’s cold. It’s dark.
We are not heroes.
We stand.
January 20, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Please listen to Yaroslava!
Ukraine is under attack right now! Please keep Ukraine in your thoughts. Let the world know what these terrorists are doing to Ukrainians.
Kyiv is under attack.
First, the power went out.
Now, the heating too.
-12 °C outside.
I want the world to know what russia does.
First, the power went out.
Now, the heating too.
-12 °C outside.
I want the world to know what russia does.
January 20, 2026 at 1:07 AM
Ukraine is under attack right now! Please keep Ukraine in your thoughts. Let the world know what these terrorists are doing to Ukrainians.
Yaroslava just posted her Sunday letter. It is a heartbreaking and poignant letter about life in Ukraine today. Also read the story of Oleksii Sorokin. If you read one thing today, let it be this letter. You will remember it for a long time. I know I will.
Kyiv.
January, 2026.
An emergency in the energy sector.
My new Sunday Letter brings together diary extracts from the present and a story from the past, painfully close to today.
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
January, 2026.
An emergency in the energy sector.
My new Sunday Letter brings together diary extracts from the present and a story from the past, painfully close to today.
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
January 18, 2026 at 10:43 PM
Yaroslava just posted her Sunday letter. It is a heartbreaking and poignant letter about life in Ukraine today. Also read the story of Oleksii Sorokin. If you read one thing today, let it be this letter. You will remember it for a long time. I know I will.
Wonderful words from Yaroslava.
I know many awful things are happening in the world,
and chaos often prevails.
That’s why it’s so precious to see support and care for Ukraine
(especially in moments when it feels like we’re all alone in this).
There’s so much the world can learn from Ukraine.
and chaos often prevails.
That’s why it’s so precious to see support and care for Ukraine
(especially in moments when it feels like we’re all alone in this).
There’s so much the world can learn from Ukraine.
January 16, 2026 at 9:09 PM
Wonderful words from Yaroslava.
Yaroslava just posted this. Kyiv city workers making the city safe for walking. A small thing but a so important thing. Yaroslava shows us that life goes on despite the cold and the russian terrorists trying to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Please support her if you’re able.
Amid the energy crisis caused by russia, Kyiv keeps going.
Severe frost brought ice,
and today I saw the sidewalks being salted.
A small thing,
but it means the city is alive.
Severe frost brought ice,
and today I saw the sidewalks being salted.
A small thing,
but it means the city is alive.
January 16, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Yaroslava just posted this. Kyiv city workers making the city safe for walking. A small thing but a so important thing. Yaroslava shows us that life goes on despite the cold and the russian terrorists trying to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Please support her if you’re able.
Yaroslava posted this, this morning. Please consider supporting her. She is such a fine and kind person. You will learn much about Ukrainian history and culture. Such a wonderful writer! I’ve learned so much about Ukraine in the year I’ve supported her. Jim
Greetings from Kyiv,
where I’m having a warcoffee after the workout (no heating in the gym).
Survival goes on.
I want to thank everyone who’s joined my Patreon recently,
and all of you who’ve been supporting me for a long time.
Your presence and trust mean more than words. 🫂
where I’m having a warcoffee after the workout (no heating in the gym).
Survival goes on.
I want to thank everyone who’s joined my Patreon recently,
and all of you who’ve been supporting me for a long time.
Your presence and trust mean more than words. 🫂
January 16, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Yaroslava posted this, this morning. Please consider supporting her. She is such a fine and kind person. You will learn much about Ukrainian history and culture. Such a wonderful writer! I’ve learned so much about Ukraine in the year I’ve supported her. Jim
A post from Kyiv resident Xenta. Keep Kyiv and all Ukraine in your thoughts as they are under so much duress from russian terrorists.
Ministry of Energy: Due to russian attacks and severe weather conditions Ukraine’s energy system is operating under heavy strain
The worst situation is currently in Kyiv and the Kyiv region
Previously published hourly outage schedules in the capital region are temporarily not being applied
The worst situation is currently in Kyiv and the Kyiv region
Previously published hourly outage schedules in the capital region are temporarily not being applied
January 14, 2026 at 9:03 PM
A post from Kyiv resident Xenta. Keep Kyiv and all Ukraine in your thoughts as they are under so much duress from russian terrorists.
Yaroslava posted this a couple hours ago! Please everyone, keep Kyiv and all Ukraine in your thoughts. And please follow and support Yaroslava. A brilliant chronicler of Ukrainian history and culture. Such an important and strong voice for Ukraine.
Kyiv.
This elderly man (perhaps homeless) collecting water in the bitter frost today – a quietly sad sketch of life.
This elderly man (perhaps homeless) collecting water in the bitter frost today – a quietly sad sketch of life.
January 14, 2026 at 7:58 PM
Yaroslava posted this a couple hours ago! Please everyone, keep Kyiv and all Ukraine in your thoughts. And please follow and support Yaroslava. A brilliant chronicler of Ukrainian history and culture. Such an important and strong voice for Ukraine.
Yaroslava’s post about 1 hour ago. Her posts about Ukrainian culture and history are wonderful. You will learn much if you follow and support her. I know I have. Yaroslava is a brilliant communicator.
As long as I can breathe, I’ll keep educating you about Ukraine
Today, 117 years since the birth of Maria Prymachenko (1909–1997), a renowned 🇺🇦 folk artist.
Few know her son and grandson were artists too: the first two works – by Maria,
the third – by her son Fedir,
the last – by her grandson Ivan
Today, 117 years since the birth of Maria Prymachenko (1909–1997), a renowned 🇺🇦 folk artist.
Few know her son and grandson were artists too: the first two works – by Maria,
the third – by her son Fedir,
the last – by her grandson Ivan
January 12, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Yaroslava’s post about 1 hour ago. Her posts about Ukrainian culture and history are wonderful. You will learn much if you follow and support her. I know I have. Yaroslava is a brilliant communicator.
This was Yaroslava’s post today. It is very moving. You will see what daily life is like for Yaroslava and many others in Ukraine. Please consider supporting her. Thanks.
After the latest russian attack on Kyiv, I’m sharing extracts from my diary.
This is not news. It’s daily life.
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
This is not news. It’s daily life.
www.patreon.com/posts/sunday...
January 11, 2026 at 8:55 PM
This was Yaroslava’s post today. It is very moving. You will see what daily life is like for Yaroslava and many others in Ukraine. Please consider supporting her. Thanks.
Yaroslava posted this a few minutes ago. Please keep her and all Ukrainians in your thoughts and in your hearts. And to those in the US, call your reps on Monday and demand they help Ukraine. Ukraine is defending Europe from evil.
Not to complain or ask for advice.
Just to inform.
Kyiv.
–12 °C outside.
No power for 12 hours after we had it for 4 hours at dawn.
Heating is barely on.
No hot water.
It’s really cold in the apartment.
We’ll survive this.
But how long will unpunished evil walk free?
Just to inform.
Kyiv.
–12 °C outside.
No power for 12 hours after we had it for 4 hours at dawn.
Heating is barely on.
No hot water.
It’s really cold in the apartment.
We’ll survive this.
But how long will unpunished evil walk free?
January 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Yaroslava posted this a few minutes ago. Please keep her and all Ukrainians in your thoughts and in your hearts. And to those in the US, call your reps on Monday and demand they help Ukraine. Ukraine is defending Europe from evil.
This was Yaroslava’s post this morning. Please keep her and all Ukrainians in your thoughts. Please follow and support Yaroslava. You will learn so much about Ukraine’s history and culture through her excellent writing and scholarship. Thanks. Jim
Greetings from Kyiv,
where the situation remains difficult after the attack
(especially on the left bank, where we live).
We had power for about four hours, enough to charge everything before it went off again.
Heating is minimal.
Yes, I got sick.
Thank you for your care. Everything will be fine.
where the situation remains difficult after the attack
(especially on the left bank, where we live).
We had power for about four hours, enough to charge everything before it went off again.
Heating is minimal.
Yes, I got sick.
Thank you for your care. Everything will be fine.
January 10, 2026 at 5:43 PM
This was Yaroslava’s post this morning. Please keep her and all Ukrainians in your thoughts. Please follow and support Yaroslava. You will learn so much about Ukraine’s history and culture through her excellent writing and scholarship. Thanks. Jim
Yaroslava sent this text. Please follow and support her. She is such an important and inspirational voice for Kyiv and all Ukraine. Her scholarship and research on Ukrainian history and culture are wonderful. By supporting her you will ensure that we will all be informed. Thanks Jim
It’s 4 am in Kyiv.
Power is finally back after 21 hours.
Once again, our energy workers are heroes.
I want the world to know.
No matter how hard or cold it gets, this city (this country) stands because of its people.
Power is finally back after 21 hours.
Once again, our energy workers are heroes.
I want the world to know.
No matter how hard or cold it gets, this city (this country) stands because of its people.
January 10, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Yaroslava sent this text. Please follow and support her. She is such an important and inspirational voice for Kyiv and all Ukraine. Her scholarship and research on Ukrainian history and culture are wonderful. By supporting her you will ensure that we will all be informed. Thanks Jim