UKRAINE

Today was a mixture of positives and frustrations - of being asked to prove ourselves again, although only on a small scale. This morning we were driven to a the equivalent of a giant B&Q by two post graduate students, who are volunteers in a humanitarian aid distribution centre. We used some of the donations we have received to buy, amongst other things, a petrol-powered water pump that will go to Mykolaiv, near Kherson, in southern Ukraine, where water supplies have been disrupted by bombing.

On our way to the store we had to pull over for a convoy of 15-20 ambulances and military vehicles to pass. We were told that the ambulances were carrying wounded soldiers to hospital, which, they say, happens every day in Lviv as it's a safe place. The soldiers may then be flown to other countries for treatment. 

Tramping the streets was limited today as it was very hot - plus 30 degrees. However, on a side street, we happened to pass a small centre that provides food for refugees and sells all kinds of hand made items in support of Ukraine - flags, blue and yellow bracelets, etc. We met an artist who took us to see his very original art, which consists of large 'pictutes' of coloured ribbons, usually depicting a war scene. We will ask to take photos when we return tomorrow to speak to the director.

Finally, at the end of the day, Bob has reveived a request to drive someone, who has come from the east following a stroke, to Warsaw in Poland, from where they will fly to England. It's nice to be trusted enough to be asked.