Aleksandra Kovaleva letter translation

My translation of the open letter by Aleksandra Kovaleva to Hans de Borst. The Russian original is here. She also has an English version but I think that mine is better though also far from perfect. Good text: honest emotions despite some factual misses.


Dear Hans de Borst,
You might never read this letter. It might even be better this way.
I am very sorry that your daughter died in the Boeing 777, downed by Russian terrorists in my country's sky. Unlike Russia, my country never conducted wars or lived through terrorist attacks. This is why we are still shocked by every death. This is why Ukrainians are now gathering by the Dutch Embassy, bringing flowers, candles and toys for the dead children. For your daughter, too. I know, you think that we cannot imagine what you are feeling right now. You are right, we can't. But we are honest in our feelings.
( almost two pages of text )

I am in no way connected to the Ukrainian government, politicians or business.
I cannot even imagine your loss.
And most likely, you don’t care about my words.
I am just a Ukrainian girl, who wakes up at night during a thunderstorm, being afraid that her city is being bombed.
But once again,
I am very sorry.

Aleksandra Kovaleva