Yes! That's paradox applies here in the U.S., too. Zhadan's work might never have found its way to my small-town library in the Deep South had the Russians not invaded and led him to write a book about the war. It's tragic that I had to discover him this way, but I'm glad I did.

You might also find it cheering to know that Ukrainian flags have been flying prominently throughout the town since the start of the war, including one on a front porch across the street. It's a bit odd to see a Ukrainian flag flying at one house and down the street, another saying "Trump 2024" (given that Trump would certainly do all in his power to cut aid to Ukraine if elected). But I'm glad to know that he couldn't cut that aid without a fight from a Fifth Column here in Trump country.