Eurac Research: Since 2014, Ukraine has been introducing reforms aimed to give more power and allocate more resources to local governments. Could you explain why these changes were important, and how they have supported communities during the war?

Kolesnykov: The decentralization policy and relevant reforms implemented in Ukraine played a crucial role in the country’s resilience, particularly through establishing more capable local communities. Before the reforms, there were over 11,000 communities in Ukraine, varying from large cities to small villages. These communities were often fragmented and lacked the capacity to address local issues effectively. Although the reforms were not fully completed, decentralization had been employed, establishing a strong foundation and providing local governments with the resources to solve local problems.

When the war began, communities were able to respond to the numerous challenges. Many, for example, hosted millions of internally displaced persons (IDPs), providing temporary housing, basic support, and essential services to those in need. Additionally, local governments-built fortifications, organized territorial defenses, and supplied military units and soldiers with essential resources.

Decentralization played a key role in these successes. Had Ukraine faced the same situation prior to 2014, these tasks would have been left to state authorities, who likely would not have had the capacity to manage them effectively. However, thanks to the reforms, local governments were able to step in, allowing the state to focus on other crucial matters.

Can you share an example of a city or region where local leaders played a key role in keeping life going?

There are plenty of examples of local leaders stepping up during the war in Ukraine. One notable case is from the city of Irpin, near my hometown of Bucha, in the suburbs of Kyiv. During Russian occupation, local mayor Oleksandr Markushyn, fully equipped with armor, led the territorial defense forces and directly participated in defending the city. Another example is that of Vitaly Kim, the head of the Mykolaiv regional state administration. He became a well-known figure for his leadership during the war, gaining significant popularity, especially on social media, where he communicated directly with citizens and organized defense efforts for the region. At the beginning of the full-scale invasion, there was a high risk that Mykolaiv could be captured, while Kim played a crucial role in coordinating volunteer resistance and building defenses. These are just two examples of how the bravery of individuals has become a symbol of courage and heroism among Ukrainians, inspiring hope and unity while reinforcing collective resilience. This trend of recognizing and celebrating heroic deeds not only motivates others but also provides a sense of strength and purpose, helping communities maintain hope even in the face of adversity.

What initiative or movement do you think best embodies Ukraine’s societal resilience?

For me, the greatest symbol of Ukraine's societal resilience is the volunteer movement. It’s truly unprecedented, with no real comparison to past movements. One initiative that stands out is the Come Back Alive Foundation. This charity was founded on the eve of the Russian invasion in 2014 during the hybrid phase of the conflict. It was the first major civic initiative aimed at supporting the Ukrainian army and has continued to do so ever since. The foundation runs fundraising campaigns to collect resources for military equipment and supplies, providing support at times when the state has not been able. Over the past decade, it has become the leading civic foundation in the country and likely the most prominent in terms of fundraising and military support, though state-led initiatives also play a major role.

Another important example is the Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation (Prytula Foundation), led by Serhiy Prytula, a former comedian and showman turned civic activist. The Prytula Foundation became especially active after the invasion began. They focus on fundraising campaigns, actively engaging the media, bloggers, and leveraging the personal image and status of Prytula to rally public support. One of their most notable campaigns was called “People’s Bayraktar,” which aimed to fund the purchase of Turkish Bayraktar drones. These drones were in high demand, but Ukraine lacked enough of them. The foundation launched an incredibly successful fundraising drive, aiming to raise approximately 15 million euros. Within just a few days, they surpassed their goal, and the Baykar company, which manufactures the drones, was so impressed by the initiative that they donated three UAVs to Ukraine for free. Interestingly, since the funds raised were no longer needed for the drones, the foundation used the money to purchase access to the ICEYE commercial satellite, which the armed forces have utilized for military purposes. This marked the first time in history that ordinary citizens contributed to purchasing satellite access. What began as a campaign to fund drones ultimately transformed into a campaign to fund a satellite–an unprecedented achievement, particularly in the context of war.

When discussing the funding for these initiatives, it’s crucial to emphasize that the majority of support comes directly from ordinary citizens and businesses, not public funds. The success of both the Prytula and Come Back Alive Foundations not only showcases the power of civic engagement and community support but also underscores the profound resilience of Ukrainian society. These grassroots movements illustrate how, in the face of adversity, ordinary citizens can step in to fill gaps and support the country’s resistance, embodying the strength and determination that define Ukraine’s ability to endure and persevere through conflict.

War is not just about physical survival - it also affects people’s mental health and sense of community. Have you come across a project or approach that has been particularly effective in helping people cope emotionally?

There are several initiatives focused on mental health, especially for those affected by the war. Some Ukrainian psychotherapists offer online consultations free of charge for refugees and Ukrainians that remain in the country. These professionals also help connect people with the necessary treatment abroad by cooperating with local medical institutions, facilitating consultations and prescriptions to ensure individuals get the treatment they need. However, one of the biggest challenges in Ukraine is the general lack of a mental health awareness. Many Ukrainians are not accustomed to seeking help for mental health issues, and there is still a lot of stigma around it. Unfortunately, many people view seeking help as a sign of weakness or fear being labeled as mentally unstable, which makes them hesitant to reach out. Even though mental health challenges are widespread, particularly after living in a war zone for three years, many people still don’t recognize the need for professional support. Instead, they often turn to family, friends, or the church, or, unfortunately, resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol.

Many people see President Zelenskyy as a key figure in Ukraine’s resilience. In your expertise, how has his leadership influenced society’s ability to stay strong and united during the war?

President Zelenskyy became a key figure in Ukraine’s resilience right from the start of the invasion. When Russia aggressively attacked Ukraine, many expected Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian government to flee, with Russia swiftly taking control. However, the decision to stay in Kyiv at the start of the invasion proved to be crucial in maintaining public trust. Before the full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy’s approval rating was around 30 to 40 percent, but after his decision to remain in Ukraine, his trust level skyrocketed to an approximate 90 percent. While his trust rating has since declined from those early days, he still enjoys a strong level of support, which underscores his continued leadership role. Zelenskyy became an icon of national leadership and unity at a time when the country desperately needed it. This sparked inspiration and a strong sense of unity, reinforcing societal resilience.

In terms of international support for Ukraine, which forms of assistance have had the greatest impact, and which areas of support do you believe were insufficient?

The most important assistance has certainly been military support, particularly weaponry. However, a significant issue was the delay in providing this aid, which cost many Ukrainian lives. Many Western governments initially doubted Ukraine's ability to resist, explaining the delay in providing substantial military support. The initial weapons supplied were small-scale anti-tank arms, designed for partisan resistance rather than full-scale military defense. The expectation was that Ukraine would likely fall, but that its people would continue to resist. Because of this, no serious weaponry like tanks or air defense systems were provided, partly because there was a concern that if Ukraine fell, Russia would gain access to such technology. As Ukraine displayed its strength and showed it could resist while even launching counteroffensives, the West shifted to supply more serious weaponry.

For those who have only seen the war from a distance, what do you think is most often misunderstood about life in a conflict zone? Can you share a personal experience that challenges, that common perception?

I think what is most often misunderstood about life in Ukraine is that everything is disorderly and that we live in constant fear. In reality, people adapt, find solutions, and adjust to virtually anything. When the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, I, like everyone else, was in shock. However, a year later, it didn’t scare me as much. Initially when air raid sirens sounded, most people rushed to cover. Now, many often ignore them or assess the risk on live updates tracking missile and drone trajectories, deciding whether to take cover. That said, when explosions occur nearby, we still react immediately – running to the safest room in the building, often the bathroom. Additionally, in the past, specifically between 2022–2023, we experienced frequent power outages, sometimes lasting up to several days without electricity. The most optimistic scenario was to have power for four hours, followed by four hours of outages. Yes, it was hard to live in darkness, mentally and physically, and at times it felt like we are going a bit crazy, but we found solutions. We made the most of the resources available to us and rather than dwelling on hardship, we remained resilient and adapted to adversity.

Since the full-scale invasion began, around 7 million residents have left Ukraine. How does that affect societal resilience?

First of all, it has a severe impact on the economy. Ukraine is already experiencing a significant demographic imbalance, with too few working-age people to sustain the economy and support an aging population. If the war continues for years, this issue could become critical or even catastrophic. Many of those who have left may never return, choosing instead to settle in their new countries, further deepening the workforce shortage. Additionally, Ukraine, like much of Europe, has low birth rates, which only worsens the situation. To sustain economic growth, the country will likely need to attract immigrants. However, this presents another challenge – while Ukrainian society is generally tolerant of European nations, it’s unlikely that many Europeans will move to Ukraine for work. Instead, most immigrants may come from poorer regions, such as Africa and Asia. How Ukrainian society will react to this demographic shift remains uncertain, but it could become a significant issue. Ultimately, population loss weakens Ukraine’s resilience. A country needs both human and economic resources to remain strong, and right now, both are in short supply.

What key lessons should the world take away from the war in Ukraine?

One of the key lessons the world should take from Ukraine's experience is the importance of preparedness. The risk of large-scale conflicts involving multiple countries is growing, and it’s something that needs to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, Ukraine wasn’t adequately prepared for this war, and that’s something the world needs to recognize – conflicts like this can escalate quickly. Another lesson is the importance of relying on your people and investing in social resilience in advance. If a large-scale conflict happens, it won’t be just the army fighting; the whole population must be engaged. When the state and its people work together, united as a society, that’s when a nation is most resilient.