Olena’s truth cuts through wartime spin

THE first casualty of war, they say, is truth. It’s very difficult, in the bloody mess and confusion of a conflict, to establish solid fact.

That’s true of Ukraine. Since the war began, disinformation has spilled out of the country. And it is hard work to cut through the spin and lies to get to the truth.

But there are some reports that can’t be denied.

Throughout the invasion we’ve had staff reporters in the country bringing us live despatches from the frontline.

And others on Poland’s border, bringing you first-hand accounts of families fleeing for their lives.

Then, of course, there are the images. It is impossible to deny the picture that shook the world, the picture of Olena Kurilo.

Powerful

The 52-year-old teacher’s house was blown up by a rocket.

She was cut by flying glass and rubble, causing serious wounds. Her bloodied face brought it home to the world – innocent people’s lives are being destroyed.

Such a powerful image. A teacher, someone who has given her life to helping others, a victim of a fight that was not hers.

The world feared for her – and the millions of other innocents suffering at the hands of the invaders. Thankfully, Olena has made it to safety.

Speaking from Poland, she told us she doesn’t want to be known as the face of war. She wants to be known as the face of peace.

When this evil war ends, when the Russians are repelled, when the rebuilding begins, we’ll remember Olena’s courage.

And we’ll remember how we stood with the people of Ukraine, how we opened our borders and our homes to them.

That’s the truth of this war – that in the face of tyranny and brutality, we stood together.