When I walk down Andriivskyi Descent in Kyiv toward the Podil district, I pause for a moment to admire this exquisite mural, titled “Renaissance,” by French artist Seth Globepainter and Ukrainian artist Kislow. Its message is unmistakably about Ukraine’s renaissance as a nation. In the palm of her hand she holds the future in the guise of a little child. Apparently, the painters were strongly inspired by the architecture featured in the early Renaissance frescoes of Masaccio and Piero della Francesca. The young woman’s body is beautifully intertwined with the town: a Romanesque arch extends into her robe, her left hand protectively embraces the houses. Also striking is the surreal motif of the two Cossack heads, from which buildings rise (might these guys be architects? ) “Don’t mess with this lady” was one of the thoughts that crossed my mind. Although, sadly, she does not have the means to protect the Kyivans from ballistic missiles – after all, the only sleep granted to Ukrainians during the “spiritual mission of the unique Russian soul” is eternal sleep. Her air defense units can only stare helplessly at their radar screens as these missiles strike. Even so, her intense, focused gaze reminded me of the story of a former Latin teacher who joined the Ukrainian army in 2022 and reportedly became one of the best snipers – call sign “Panoushka” – taking out Russian invaders (who had killed her beloved) from up to 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) away.