Maria Mentseva is the face of the war in Ukraine.
Just 34 years old, her official duties include considering how Ukraine can integrate into other European institutions.
But what really caught her attention was her post about her hometown of Kharkiv. It has a population of 1.3 million people and is located just 32 miles from the northeastern border with Russia.
President Putin wanted to take it over from the beginning. In 2022, the Ukrainians pushed them back.
But in recent months, Russian attacks have intensified, destroying residential areas, electricity infrastructure and even the city’s giant TV tower.
Ukrainian parliamentarian Maria Mentseva in Kharkiv. (Maria Mentseva)
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In fact, Moscow has made it clear that it wants to turn Kharkiv into a demilitarized zone so that it does not pose a threat to Russia.
Critics said Russia was trying to turn Kharkiv into Aleppo, a stronghold of Syrian rebels that Russia pacified with support for Assad in Damascus.
Ukrainian parliamentarian Maria Mentseva announced her fight on social media. (Maria Mentseva)
Mentseva regularly posts photos of damage, rescue and relief efforts in Kharkiv, branding Russia’s efforts as “an act of genocide.”
She exudes hope in general, particularly with the recent U.S. military aid package to Ukraine that will benefit the local region.
Ukrainian parliamentarian Maria Mentseva stands in front of a military vehicle. (Maria Mentseva)
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The package “will definitely serve its purpose,” Mentseva said.
Basically, it allows cities to survive, at least for the time being.
