Just a quick note that Katya 2 and Vanya (and the cat) have made it to Zaporozhia! They got in late, hooked up with Zhenya’s friend and are all set for the next couple days. Monday they should be able to catch the train out and meet up with Zhenya. A day or two there and then they’ll be heading to the border and onto Vienna.

Viktoria and Katya 2 were able to talk a bit today, so V is feeling much better. Still stressed, of course, because of the situation, but it feeling much better than previous days.

Katya 2 told V that her mother and mother’s friend (Lena) returned to Volnovakha to be with Katya’s father and grandmother. Sounds like they might not have electricity, but should be OK for water and, hopefully, food. The Russians have already overrun this town so there’s no fighting or shelling going on, but there are in Russian-held territory. But they’re together and relatively safe.

Total Russian defeat/surrender and withdrawal from Ukraine would be the best way to end the week, but this is sill some pretty good news for a Saturday.