Vlada questions if those things will be there when she gets back, or whether she will even go back. “I don’t know if I’m going to get to relive those memories ever again.”
Even though many cities in Ukraine share a language and some national foods with Russia, the culture of Ukraine is distinct. “It just makes me so anxious because even though some of us speak Russian, we aren’t Russian. We have a completely different culture.” Анна says.
For Ukrainians, the rights to freedom and democracy are integral. For centuries, they have resisted Russian rule and fostered a culture of democracy that rose from the ashes of the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917.
“We have freedom and democracy. If you don’t like the President, you can vote for another one. If we don’t like something, we can have a revolution, which we’ve done a few times.” says Анна.
Ukraine has already undergone three successful democratic revolutions in 1990, 2004, and 2013-14. Each of these revolutions has concretized the important role of civil society in deciding the future of the nation.
“For me, losing freedom is the most dangerous thing. It’s a huge part of our culture – it’s in our schools, our history, our national songs. We’re not afraid to just post something on social media and say our views. I don’t want to lose that,” Анна tells me.
“I’m angry about the situation, but I’m not angry at all Russians,” Oleksandra says. “I can’t be angry at a whole nation, because I know so many Russians don’t want this war to happen. It was the decision of their President, and they are also in a difficult situation with a President they can’t get rid of.”
For Russia, the existence of a well-functioning democracy right at their border poses a threat.
Putin fears Ukraine’s values of democratic freedom could inspire similar democratic movements within Russia, threatening his own supremacy. This means Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is not just a threat to Ukrainians, but to the entire democratic world.
“If other people sit and do nothing, it will not just be our problem in Ukraine, but your problem too, because Russia will not stop,” Анна says.
“My advice for other students is to just talk about it nonstop,” Vlada says. “Even if you have only 50 followers on social media, it’s still worth sharing something and saying something.”
“I appreciate it so much when people text me asking me how my family is and if I’m ok. Even people I’ve only met once or twice, it’s nice to know they’re taking the time to think about you,” Oleksandra tells me.
To support Ukraine, one of the best things you can do is to donate to organizations that are helping Ukraine fight for freedom or go to protests to demand peace.
Here are some useful links to places to donate to:
- National Bank of Ukraine – fundraising account to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine
- To Support the Ukrainian Army
- To support humanitarian organizations
Even though Ukraine is being invaded by one of the world’s largest and most powerful militaries, Vlada still has hope for her country. “It’s important for the whole world to know that Ukraine is a very strong nation. Our people are incredibly resilient, so I think that in the end, we’re going to get through this.”