Natalia, Kyiv:
Yesterday I was given a complement, my student named me “a tough nut to crack”, yes, I try to be, not very sure about it, but thank you very much. And my question is – What character traits do you think became most important to civilians during the war?
Sofa, Mykolaiv:
I think the most significant thing at this time is to be strong in spirit. Many people are depressed due to stress and fear, but I think we should be strong.
Dmytro, Ukraine:
I think that the ability to stay calm in such situation is very significant now. Even I, who tried to help our “moved” people in a small town to survive (e.g. making packages with food for them) became really aggressive these days because of stress. It is very hard to stay cold-headed now, and I think our country is still alive thanks to such people
Anastasia, Ukraine:
Now, advocating Ukraine is constant occupation. On 9th of March, we held a rally in the University of Wyoming to motivate people to address their representatives on the war. Suddenly, raised $1040 for Ukrainian army.
Anastasia, Ukraine:
In Wyoming, I was asked by the reporter: “are you just shocked at what has happened?” The war is happening. I was shocked during the first 20 minutes of the whole-scale war on the 24th of February. Later, gradually comes the recognition of the war destroying your homeland and killing thousands of civilians. I cannot describe this feeling, but “shock” is too weak for that. It is interchanging hatred, grief, anger, despair, fury, pain; with constant faith in Ukraine, Ukrainians, and our army and confidence in victory. Thankfully, Ukrainians resolve all of those feelings with actions – supporting our army, fighting for Ukraine, and helping each other.
Marharyta, Ukraine:
Undoubtedly, we have shown to the whole world that we are a strong and unbreakable nation. That nothing can break our spirit or disunite us.
I am proud of Ukrainian people for their unbreakable spirit. And I am extremely grateful to all the volunteers who work almost 24/7 every day, sometimes sacrificing their sleep and own safety.
To sum up, this war has indicated who is who. Who is truly patriot, thus will fight for our freedom and independence till the end. And, who tends to stay apolitical, being afraid to spoil one’s reputation.
Julia, Ukraine:
I think calmness and cold mind are the most important traits. We must stay strong and believe in our victory till we finally win. We must not be afraid of russians and their troops (we can be, but at least we shouldn’t show it).
Anastasia, Ukraine:
Reporter: How are you dealing with the uncertainty of the situation?
Me: Doing everything I can: working on campus to raise awareness about the war in Ukraine among students, organizing (UW rally on 9th of March) and attending (in Denver on 26th of February and in NYC on 12th of March) rallies, involving people in Wyoming to support the army financially, putting up academic event dedicated to Ukraine of campus, personally donating to Ukrainian army and territorial defence groups, aggressing representatives and local governors (with a speech in Laramie city council and reaching out to state representatives with letters), talking to reporters and spreading the knowledge of the russian-Ukrainian war.
Daria, Kropyvnytskiy:
It’s an incredible superpower to be united, I guess. For example, we didn’t speak with our neighbours for such a long time, but now we help each other. Also, Ukrainians became less kind and vulnerable, than we used to be. It’s not about being cold while reading news, but about the fearlessness we’ve got. We are kind to each other, but, we rightly hate each russian.
