Society

Checking in With ELLE Ukraine’s Editor-in-Chief, Sonya Zabouga

On making a magazine during war.

by : ELLE Canada- Mar 3rd, 2022

In an open letter, ELLE and ELLE Decoration Ukraine editor-in-chief, Sonya Zabouga talks about making a magazine in the midst of war:

“February 24, 2022 divided the life of Ukrainians into before and after.

Who would have thought that the words about the military operations that we remember from the history books about the 2nd World War would become a harsh reality in the lives of Ukrainians. Who would have thought that 77 years after the end of the 2nd World War, civilians of Ukraine would spend the night in bomb shelters, cities would be shelled by rocket attacks, and tanks would drive along the streets where Ukrainians had recently rushed about their usual business.

Who would have thought that today we like the generation of the 2nd world war, we will follow the rules of survival in war conditions: seal the windows of houses with adhesive tape to protect them from the shock wave, dim, or better turn off the lights so as not to attract the attention of aviation at night, instantly respond to the sounds of a serena announcing air strikes, hurrying to the nearest bomb shelter …

We thought that the era of feudal conquests with the invasion of foreign territory was already in the past. But apparently there are people who live by the values of the past.

What is happening in Ukraine is a crime and must be stopped.

Shock and fear today are mixed with an incredible sense of patriotism and unity that has rallied the Ukrainian nation. As never before, we are ready to do everything to defend our right to peace and self-determination. We are grateful to everyone who is with us at this difficult time. Your support helps us to be stronger.”