Ukraine isn’t just defending its territory, it’s defending its culture as well

A crowd is gathering outside the historic Ukrainian National Opera House in the center of Kyiv on a sunny Saturday.

Patrons are greeting each other with hugs. Some are clutching fresh flowers to present to dancers after the ballet, scheduled to begin mid-afternoon.

Valeriia Podemok has come with friends to help support the arts even as rockets and missiles land on Ukrainian homes and businesses.

“Russia wants to destroy our culture and our language. We want to do everything to support…