Hocus Pocus by Liudmyla Tymoshenko is a powerful reflection on the Ukrainian Maidan protests in 2014 and the subsequent challenges faced by Ukraine. The author describes the initial energy and unity of the protests, the tragic turning point when violence erupted, and the indifference shown by some Russians towards the suffering. The essay also highlights the deceitful actions of the Russian government, including the annexation of Crimea and the downing of flight MH17. Despite the hardships, the author emphasizes the resilience of the Ukrainian people and their belief in a brighter future. The postscript mentions the renaming of a square in Armenia to honor a fallen hero of Maidan.
The monologue was written to be a part of the Without Them, or Why We Don't Want to Be Kind to Those Who Kill Us almanac.