The Invisible Thread Binding Ukraine and Me
Every morning I wake up in a safe, comfortable home in Orlando, Florida, yet my thoughts are elsewhere. They are 5,580 miles away in Ukraine, my birthplace, the victim of a devastating war. As a Ukrainian-American immigrant and magician, I find myself perpetually straddling two realities—the imaginative world of magic I create on stage and the harsh, unforgiving reality of conflict tearing through the heart of my birthplace.
I am a corporate magician, a creator of amazement and laughter, often amidst a sea of suits and polished shoes. I’ve dedicated my life to crafting moments of joy and awe. Yet, ever since the onset of Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine, my performances have been imbued with a deeper purpose. I’ve become an unexpected emissary, using my platform to amplify the struggles of the Ukrainian people.
It was on a typical Wednesday night, at home with my family, that I first heard the news. Russia had invaded Ukraine. It was a chilling echo from my childhood, a bitter reminder of the horrors of the Soviet Union that we had left behind.
The stress was high and my heart ached for my country, for the family members still there, and people bravely facing violence and destruction of life. My hands, so used to manipulating props, felt futile. I wanted to do something, anything, that could somehow make a difference. Along with directly helping various causes, I felt the need to speak up and use my platform to bring attention to Russia’s terror.
I began incorporating Ukraine into my performances and social media posts, appearing on the local news, and performing in virtual fundraisers.
I also began sharing the stage with clients and partners dedicated to funding humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
My magic, once merely a source of entertainment, was now a conduit for a larger message of resistance and resilience. I even performed on national television, my magic tricks serving as a metaphor for Ukraine’s struggle and unyielding spirit.
Though I am in the United States, safe from the direct impact of the conflict, I am bothered by the dichotomy of my existence. Each applause and cheering crowd are bittersweet reminders of what’s happening back in Kyiv and my family there who are still in constant danger. I can’t help but juxtapose these moments with the reality of Ukrainians who are longing for the freedom and security that I have found here in the United States.
In the coming weeks and months, I plan to share more on social media and on my blog about the magic I perform, the messages that I teach, and what I’m up to in my entertainment career. But I want you to know that even as I share more about my magic, Ukraine remains at the forefront of my mind. Its dreams and aspirations mirror those that America holds dear—freedom, creativity, and innovation. The burgeoning Ukrainian tech sector is a testament to this, proof of the country’s resilience and unwavering determination to progress even amidst chaos.
Ukraine’s journey is far from over, and neither is mine. The war might be thousands of miles away, but its echoes reverberate in my every performance. Each card sleight, each illusion, each applause, carries within it a plea—for peace, for support, for the world to think of Ukraine.
My journey as a magician has taught me that magic, at its core, is about connection. Today, that connection extends beyond the stage, the applause, and the astonished gasps. It reaches out across miles, screens, and political divides, weaving a narrative of resilience and hope.
The war is my reality, as much as the magic is. And until peace returns, I will continue to use my platform to advocate for Ukraine, to keep its struggle alive in global consciousness.
As we look to the future, I am optimistic. I see a Ukraine that continues to astonish and amaze the world with its resilience and innovation. I see a country that is eager to rebuild, eager to forge a new path forward. And in this journey, I will stand alongside them, lending whatever support I can through my magic and beyond.
I request you to join me in this cause. Contribute to organizations like 1Kproject.org and Razom for Ukraine, who are working tirelessly to provide aid to Ukrainians.
So, as I resume sharing more about my magic, my performances, and my experiences, remember that Ukraine remains at the forefront of my thoughts, my actions, and my priorities.
Because the real magic isn’t in the tricks, it’s in the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. That’s the true magic I seek to share, a magic that finds strength amidst adversity and shines with resilience and hope.
