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Today is a critically important day: Ukrainian Independence Day. The modern, democratic, free nation of Ukraine was born on August 24th, 1991 with the signing of their Declaration of Independence. It also marks exactly six months since the start of the all-out invasion from Russia.

A while back, knowing that this existential conflict was likely to last a long time, I ordered some sunflower seeds. Not your average variety, mind you, this is a special “white sunflower”, a cultivar known as “ProCut White”. Years ago, I was given a tip that white sunflowers are some of the most beautifully fluorescent; This tip has just been proven correct. While the pollen of that particular species does not seem to fluoresce, the petals certainly put on a light show!

I have seen “electric blue” lines in some flower petals before (snowdrops), but the two-tone colours of the petals themselves is something I’ve only observed in flowers directly related to sunflowers. The reason for these fluorescent colours is simply a byproduct of the method for which the flowers absorb UV light. Sunflowers have a “black” center, including half the petals, and bright white external portions of the petals when observed in UV light directly – which many pollinators can see. And there are two ways for a flower to appear “black” in UV: direct absorption, or fluorescence into the visible spectrum, such that the UV light becomes lower-energy visible light. That’s the science behind these “by-product” colours, but then also happen to match very closely to the national colours of Ukraine.

In support of Ukraine’s continued battle, I place this image into the Public Domain. It’s currently my phone’s lock screen image, and you may wish to do them same. Use it for anything you’d like, personal or commercial. Spread it far and wide.

Today is also an ominous day. There is word that Russia has closed its airspace in the western-most territories in anticipation of some event today. Kyiv has placed restrictions on mass gatherings. It would be very symbolic for Russia to attempt something horrific today, and I sincerely hope nothing materializes. We’ve seen a few missiles launched, but that’s sadly an every-day occurrence. Russia’s forces continue to be decimated, so any escalation could have some level of desperation associated with it.

In Russia, the middle-class are finally afraid. They fear restrictions on their travel to other countries, and they fear direct attacks on their homes in places like Crimea, which they have been fleeing after Ukraine has made a number of successful attacks in the occupied region. The Russian elites no longer feel safe either, after the car bombing in Moscow that took the life of Darya Dugin, a philosopher and political theorist who was very much in support of Putin’s actions. Her father, Alexander Dugin, is one of Putin’s top ideologists. It sends a very clear message: regardless of social class, you are not completely safe. This fear can become a powerful threat to Putin’s regime, if it can be escalated properly. Increasingly, it appears that Ukraine is holding all the cards, but they still need more help.

Slovakia is sending 30 T-72 tanks to Ukraine after Germany agreed to send them 15 modern Leopard II tanks. New aid packages from many countries including Canada, Sweden, and the United States have been announced. There are reports that Saudi Arabia is returning the Grim-2 missile systems it purchased from Ukraine, some of the most modern long-range systems in existence. The range here is the critical factor: 500km maximum range. The distance between Ukrainian controlled territory in the North, say Hrem’yach, directly to The Kremlin in Moscow, is 473 kilometers.

If Ukraine does indeed have the Grim-2 system, with the longest-range ammunition, they could be in striking distance of Moscow. Would taking such action be a smart move? I don’t think so. However, the possibility alone can bring a layer of much-needed fear to Russia. The hubris cultivated from previous imperialistic gains is eroding. Ukraine will win this war, thanks to the world coming to its aide. It’s far from over yet, as the area controlled by Russia is larger than the majority of nations in Europe.

The fight continues, and today should be a day to celebrate the heroes of Ukraine, both past and present. Show your support!