First of all, because it truly helps us not forget that the war has not gone anywhere.

A human being adapts frighteningly fast - even to the most horrific things. What was once unbearable becomes familiar, routine. This is the mind’s survival mechanism, a form of psychological self-preservation. But once something becomes routine, it loses its emotional impact. Empathy fades. Urgency disappears. And eventually, the war slips into the background of collective memory.
But it has not ended.

People are still dying every single day. Still losing their loved ones, their homes, hiding in basements, drinking rainwater, warming themselves with gas burners because there is no electricity or heating in their homes.

They still need our help and our support - our donations, first aid kits, and even something as simple as firewood and food.

Secondly, we, the people, are constantly playing a cat-and-mouse game with governments. They give us a piece of some important information, just enough to distract attention, while continuing to do whatever they consider right without our participation.

It is crucial that we keep showing that the war in Ukraine is still present for us. Still relevant. Still deeply felt. We are not turning away. We are keeping our hand on the pulse, watching closely what is being done - or not being done.

Thirdly, it would seem that by now every man and his dog knows that Russia invaded Ukraine four years ago. It would seem so.

But it wouldn't. Even now, I sometimes still have to explain to people I meet what is actually happening. "Are bombs really falling?" "Did so many Ukrainians really flee and now live in the United States?"

There are always those who somehow manage to miss even the most important information. Yes -sometimes even for four years straight. And then suddenly, when they encounter a crowd of people with blue and yellow flags in real life, they pause, they notice, they become surprised, and they start asking questions.

Sometimes a person lives inside their own bubble. Maybe they were caring for a sick loved one, or had a newborn child that consumed all their time. Or perhaps they were overwhelmed by intense work or studies, or going through a painful breakup or betrayal… and they were just trying to survive their own small, fragile life.

And then, at some point, they come back to themselves and feel ready - and even compelled - to help others.

We must stay visible so that those who want to help can find us easily.

And lastly - no less importantly - we need to feel that we are there for each other.

All of us, as we are: broken, strong, grieving, exhausted, or desperate, or simply asking for support… different as we are, we come together, we share gentle smiles, we nod in silent recognition and acceptance.

We carefully light candles from each other’s hands. Sometimes we cry, sometimes we embrace.

This, believe me, is therapy.

The warmth of faith and hope fills our hearts when we are together. And in that moment, feelings of love, kindness, and mutual support outweigh everything else - evil, coldness, and injustice.

• Photographs from the personal archive of M. Slobodyan: "Rally Marking Four Years of War, Chicago"