Ukraine 22: Ukrainian Writers Respond to War

On 24 February 2022, the course of life for Ukrainians changed irreversibly. In response to this upheaval, numerous Ukrainian authors have embarked on a journey to understand the transformation happening within themselves and their nation. This anthology compiles narratives from Ukrainians in Ukraine, presented for the first time in English. Within these pages, writers chronicle their daily experiences, reflect on the significance of culture in times of tumult, criticize Russian imperialism, and reassess their connections with the global community, particularly Europe and its principles, as they strive to make sense of the war's atrocities.The collection includes a variety of perspectives: from critical examinations of Russia's use of cultural narratives to justify the war, to heartfelt accounts of nights spent in corridors for protection, fleeting yet cherished moments with a spouse on leave from military duties, and uncanny depictions of the weather leading up to the invasion, suggesting nature itself was signaling a warning to Ukraine. These essays offer an unprecedented glimpse into the essence, starkness, and lived reality of navigating life in Ukraine amidst conflict.