Food fights

Food, family, and home in Ukraine serve as central pillars of resistance against ongoing aggression, as documented in recent memoirs and accounts of wartime survival. Julian Evans highlights how Ukrainian citizens maintain their heritage through gardening and community-led food initiatives, such as mobile bakeries and kitchen trains, which provide vital support to both civilians and the military. Beyond the Ukrainian experience, the discussion shifts to the "In Brief" section of The TLS, which explores diverse literary and historical topics. These include the global ambitions of Esperanto, the collaborative assembly of Robert Irwin’s final novel, and the environmental optimism found in Bill McKibben’s climate advocacy. Collectively, these works demonstrate how cultural artifacts, personal narratives, and scholarly inquiry act as essential tools for preserving identity and fostering global connection amidst political turmoil and environmental challenges.