Breaking News: Russia invades Ukraine

A song for 2022 and today

Feb 24, 2025

Three years ago today, the world woke up to the news that Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. Despite early predictions that Putin would be standing in Kiev within days, that never happened. To the contrary, the Ukrainians not only have heroically defended their homeland for the past 36 months, they sometimes have taken the fight to Russian soil.

I'm no geopolitical genius, but can someone please tell me how the country that was invaded in 2022 is now viewed by some as the war's provocateur? I don't know how the current peace talks will end, but I do know this: America must never turn its back on a sovereign, democratic nation.

With this last thought in mind, here's a reminder why the U.S. and its NATO allies need to continue to support Ukraine. Because the original lyrics to "We Shall Overcome" -- the song that inspired civil rights activists here at home -- are now considered in the public domain, I revised them 3 years ago to reflect what was happening half way ‘round the world.

So, thanks to the likes of LagunaTunes, ER physician Eric Alcouloumre, Maureen O'Sullivan, Spokane’s Raging Grannies, Port Townsend’s Larry Costello and others who first performed "Ukraine Shall Overcome." My hope is the song still inspires people. Not surprisingly, it should be sung to the tune of "We Shall Overcome."

-DF

Ukraine shall overcome,

Ukraine shall overcome someday;