March 09, 2022

Of Borscht and Tank Traps


Of Borscht and Tank Traps

"Yes, this is Odessa. Someone cooks borshch and potatoes for Ukrainian soldiers, and someone cooks anti-tank hedgehogs."

– Journalist Larisa Kozova, reporting on the residents of Odessa's preparations

Odessa, considered to be the pearl of the Black Sea, is making preparations for a possible Russian invasion, and the community is pulling out all the stops

Along with preparing meals for Ukrainian soldiers and fixing up some anti-tank spikes, citizens are lending full support to countering the Russians: in local markets, fruit stalls are unattended with a note simply stating to take what is needed. Citizens are also giving their time by helping to weave camouflage nets, tailor clothes for the military, and find helmets.

But, most importantly, Odessans are coming together and keeping hopes high, as Kozova writes: "A common cause unites: the townspeople joke, cheer each other up, sing the anthem of Ukraine."

 

 

You Might Also Like

Odessa's Underground
  • August 27, 2019

Odessa's Underground

In which we explore the cats, catacombs, and contraband of a Russian imperial port.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Marooned in Moscow
May 01, 2011

Marooned in Moscow

This gripping autobiography plays out against the backdrop of Russia's bloody Civil War, and was one of the first Western eyewitness accounts of life in post-revolutionary Russia. Marooned in Moscow provides a fascinating account of one woman's entry into war-torn Russia in early 1920, first-person impressions of many in the top Soviet leadership, and accounts of the author's increasingly dangerous work as a journalist and spy, to say nothing of her work on behalf of prisoners, her two arrests, and her eventual ten-month-long imprisonment, including in the infamous Lubyanka prison. It is a veritable encyclopedia of life in Russia in the early 1920s.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955