From a very early age, individuals learn to respond swiftly to danger, but in times of war, this skill must be honed even more rigorously than in peacetime. In this context, the example of people who not only recover quickly from stressful circumstances but also become better adapted to them in the future is particularly important.
Researchers refer to this phenomenon as resilience, which is now being studied in fields like sociology and economics. Resilience manifests in the ability to adapt quickly to changes, find new approaches to problem-solving, and maintain optimism and belief in a better future, even in extreme conditions. On a societal level, this phenomenon is observed in the ability to respond effectively to external threats, providing mutual support to overcome the social and economic upheavals.
It would be no exaggeration to say that Ukraine’s history is one of the most remarkable examples for studying this phenomenon. Two world wars, the Holodomor, political repressions, Chornobyl, revolutions, and now over ten years of war – there are few countries in the world that have withstood such trials. Yet, Ukrainians not only continue their struggle for independence but have become even more motivated in that pursuit.
One of the key components of the Ukrainian formula for resilience is historical memory. It is this memory that helps to renew the struggle even when it becomes way more difficult. In this sense, looking at the past, Ukrainians have studied their enemy historically and culturally far better than the enemy has studied them.
And russia can no longer make up for what it has lost, because doing so would require daily debunking hundreds of falsehoods created by its propaganda. From myths like Lenin supposedly inventing Ukraine to claims that the Ukrainian language was crafted by Austrian intelligence. But there’s really no surprise here, as russian society is currently far from being able to realistically assess even its present, let alone its past. The soviet-era tradition of reporting fabricated successes has led to a situation where russia lacks reliable information to make realistic forecasts. Not just because of propaganda, but because the truth itself undermines the foundations of russian statehood. At the same time, this Orwellian-like dystopia has become a source of numerous memes and satirical posters for Ukrainians.
It is hard not to notice that the spontaneous mockery of modern russia by Ukrainians, both in everyday life and in mass media, has also become one of the components of resilience in Ukraine. This resilience is further strengthened by the fact that russian propagandists have failed to create anything remotely as popular on their side. Their criticism of Ukraine comes off as bland and insincere. What they do manage well, however, is presenting an authoritative tone and dissatisfied expression, which must carry some weight in their internal media market, as in Ukraine, this manner of communication, regardless of the topic, is seen as inherently toxic.
This contrast between information spaces vividly illustrates global cultural differences. Perhaps in the 1990s, when Ukrainian society had not yet fully distanced itself from Soviet times, this ‘Brezhnev discourse’ might have left some impression on part of the audience. However, today, after decades of overcoming soviet patterns, this ossified ‘prose of life’ seems like some tasteless, mothballed kitsch.
No matter the times, there’s a certain aversion to tyranny in the Ukrainian mentality, so the desire for freedom from despots always resonates and finds broad support in society, regardless of personal interests. In this context, resilience is one of the core characteristics of civil society. It manifests where people won’t wait for orders ‘from above’ to immediately react to external threats or emergencies.
The proof of this is the life of Ukrainian cities and towns. Sometimes it resembles the pre-war period, but only in fragments. Just glance away or drive aside, and nearby there will be a destroyed building, burned-out cars, or else. Yet despite the proximity to the front, Ukrainians still strive to restore peaceful life wherever possible, even when everything around them is a constant reminder of war.
By the third year of full-scale war, most civilians are already familiar with the protocol for danger. And it’s good that the siren now reminds not only about shelter but also about the need to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The shared danger has brought Ukrainians closer together. Whether on the front lines or at home, the interaction of people facing life’s challenges together allows each person to reflect and find the resources within themselves to restore their strength after emotional burnout.
Undoubtedly, everyone has their own personal experience of resilience in the face of war. At the same time, the exchange of these experiences creates a synergy that helps us grow stronger together.
Author of the curatorial concept: Andriy Sydorenko