The article discusses the longstanding rule of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, his declining popularity, and the recent protests following alleged election fraud. It criticizes both Lukashenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting their negative influence on Ukraine. The author expresses disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's tepid response to the situation in Belarus and underscores the importance of Ukraine's commitment to European integration. The piece concludes that neither Lukashenko nor Putin can be friends to a liberal-democratic Ukraine.

Mikheil Saakashvili, once a prominent political figure in Georgia and Ukraine, has seen his influence wane significantly. After losing his Georgian presidency and a brief tenure as governor of Ukraine's Odessa oblast, Saakashvili has faced numerous political and legal challenges, including losing his Ukrainian citizenship and being denied refugee status. Despite his anti-Russia rhetoric, his actions have been seen as destabilizing Ukraine. His political party in Georgia is fragmented, and his support in Ukraine is minimal. Saakashvili's alliances with far-right groups and accusations of corruption have further tarnished his reputation, making him a cautionary tale of political decline.

Four years after the Maidan protests, Ukraine faces continued challenges with corruption and governance. Populist figures like Mikheil Saakashvili, who has been arrested and released pending trial, are gaining support with anti-corruption messages. President Petro Poroshenko is criticized for not taking decisive action against corruption, which could lead to increased support for another revolution. The largest rally yet against Saakashvili's arrest indicates growing discontent, and Poroshenko's rhetoric about Ukraine as Europe's defense against Russia is losing effectiveness.

The article discusses the author's experiences as a pro-democracy activist from Ukraine participating in Russian talk shows, which are used as propaganda tools by the Kremlin to manipulate public perception of the Ukraine conflict. The author describes the challenges faced by pro-Ukraine participants in these shows, including ridicule and manipulation, and highlights the importance of countering Russian disinformation. The piece underscores the need for innovative strategies to combat propaganda, drawing on Ukraine's experiences as a lesson for Western democracies.

The Los Angeles Lit Crawl coincided with the centenary of the October Revolution, prompting the Los Angeles Review of Books to dedicate its August 2017 issue to the theme of 'Revolution.' The event featured readings that explored various interpretations of revolution, from historical upheavals to personal transformations. Boris Dralyuk, a notable figure in the literary community, read translations of Russian revolutionary poems. The article reflects on the cyclical nature of revolutions and their lasting impact on individuals, particularly Soviet and post-Soviet immigrants. It also touches on the disillusionment with modern revolutions, which are often marked by violence rather than ideological change.

Peter Zalmayev recounts his experience at the Lviv Alfa Jazz Festival, a significant cultural event in Ukraine that attracts jazz enthusiasts and top musicians worldwide. Despite logistical challenges and lodging price hikes, the festival offers affordable access to high-caliber performances. The event also serves as a social hub for celebrities and political figures. Controversy surrounds the main sponsor, Mikhail Fridman, due to his Russian ties amidst the conflict with Ukraine. The festival, which will be renamed to Leopolis Jazz Festival, is expected to continue with Fridman's support. Zalmayev expresses his admiration for the festival and anticipates returning next year.

Timothy Snyder, a prominent historian, discusses the impact of Ukraine's tumultuous history on its national consciousness, the prevalence of anti-semitism in Ukraine compared to Western Europe, and the implications of post-factuality in politics, particularly in relation to Donald Trump. Snyder emphasizes the importance of inclusive historical narratives and warns against the dangers of exclusive victimhood. He also addresses the future of the Donbas region, weighing the options of maintaining a frozen conflict versus cutting it off.

Bruno Schulz, a Jewish, Polish, and Ukrainian Modernist writer, has become a cult figure posthumously. The Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych celebrates his legacy, attracting literary scholars and enthusiasts. Peter Zalmayev, a Ukrainian-American political consultant, shares his journey of discovering Schulz and his extensive collection of Schulz's works. Schulz's influence spans across literature and visual arts, with notable figures like David Grossman and Philip Roth among his admirers. Despite his tragic death during the Holocaust, Schulz's myth and impact continue to grow, with festivals, translations, and new interpretations of his work keeping his memory alive.