By Joe Lindsley, American editor of Lviv Now
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Lviv, Ukraine – Yesterday the pace of texted warnings from afar increased to a frenzy. It is almost a madness: more and more warnings, more and more normal life here. I worked from the same café from about 3pm until nearly 11pm and many groups of people came come in for tea or wine or potato pancakes, laughing, joking.
This morning I awoke to notes from friends that perhaps the whole American embassy in Kyiv was going to evacuate. Soon, the evacuation of at least most officials was confirmed by the American press.
There is music in the streets: After months of freezing weather, yesterday was a balmy 45 or so degrees Fahrenheit. People were ice-skating in the main square. In the evening, I went with friends and an American reporter to LV Café jazz club. The musicians had just finished but for the visiting Americans they rallied for another set, to show their spirit and optimism. It was a beautiful moment.
And even in Kharkiv, 20 miles from Russia, I hear reports of calm and cool Friday night, with people spinning vinyl records and going to sleek bars after a long week of work.
From American friends who have long analyzed the situation, I hear detailed scenarios about what might happen. From Ukrainians, I generally hear confidence. On the ground things were much worse in 2014 than now.
Still the headlines have an impact. Today I hear from more and more expats in Lviv, from various countries who are leaving or at least packing and preparing. Others are staying with no desire to go. NPR reported today on one, a Greek Catholic deacon from California, who is among those staying.
People are calm here. But the warnings from the West are getting more dire.Stand by as we continue to figure out what is going on, as best we can.
Because the situation can change rapidly, I ask that if you want quick updates, that you also follow on these channels:
My personal Telegram Channel: for the most rapid updates. I prefer Signal but Telegram’s format is superior for such a purpose, and unlike social media, it allows me to reach people directly without algorithmic interference.
My personal Facebook and Instagram
Meanwhile, the city’s life continues. You can find the live music schedule here. And tomorrow please note this recently-added show at the Mad bar house.
Joe Lindsley, an American journalist (follow on Instagram or LinkedIn), is editor of Lviv Now
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Lviv Now is an English-language website for Lviv, Ukraine’s «tech-friendly cultural hub.» It is produced by Tvoe Misto («Your City») media-hub, which also hosts regular problem-solving public forums to benefit the city and its people.
