After more than an hour of conversation in Kyiv, Serhyi had shared his experiences of both the 2014 and 2022 Russian invasions. His voice carried the weight of someone who had lived through history twice. When asked about Ukraine’s future after the war, his calm demeanor shifted, emotion breaking through: “We will never forget the damage caused by Russia. Our children will know.”
As the war enters another year, Ukrainians like Serhyi find themselves caught between immediate military needs and long-term aspirations. The recent changes in American politics have sparked both hope and concern. Despite his environmental concerns, Serhyi admits that “For now, Trump may be better for Ukraine.” I was first surprised, but I understood the frustration coming from the lack of speed in Biden’s decision-making. According to soldiers Serhyi spoke with, the 2022 Ukrainian counter-offensive could have ended the war if the US had provided necessary resources sooner. “We could have ended the war two years ago,” he reflects melancholically.
The timing of peace remains uncertain. While there has been much speculation in the Ukrainian government about peace in May or October 2025 as a potential end to the war, Serhyi remains cautious: “I do not know when the war will end.”
His vision is clear: “Russia could start a new invasion within the next ten years. We have to be ready.”
Living between cultures has given Serhyi unique insight into Ukraine’s transformation. “In Luhansk, we’re in the middle between Ukraine and Russia. We lived the Russian lifestyle, being depressed,” he recalls. “Coming to Central Ukraine, I saw the difference. Ukrainians want a normal, educated civilization.”
The conversation turns to internal challenges. Ukraine faces the complex task of reform during wartime, particularly regarding Russian influence. “Some pro-Russian parties should be blocked, as well as some content in the Russian language,” Serhyi argues, noting people’s “short memories” after the 2014 Euromaidan. Despite these challenges, he sees progress: “Ukraine is on the right path, coming closer to European standards of education. I think Ukraine should also follow Europe’s Green Deal.”
Corruption remains a pressing concern, particularly around President Zelenskyy’s administration. “We have a huge lack of anti-corruption measures. We need more transparency in education and businesses,” Serhyi acknowledges. The case of Oleh Tatarov, a controversial figure in Zelenskyy’s staff charged with bribery, exemplifies these challenges. “People generally want such people out,” says Serhyi, though he maintains that “it is more about his surroundings being corrupt, more than Zelenskyy himself.”
The conversation shifts to energy dependency, as the Baltic countries recently disconnected from Russian gas. Drawing lessons from history, Serhyi criticizes former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s policies: “she forced Germany to depend on Russian gas.” He acknowledges Ukraine’s own past mistakes: “We did not realize at the time. Ukraine is partially to blame, brainwashed by Russian propaganda. We gave our weapons away to Russia, and resisted involvement from NATO.”
The impact of Russian propaganda remains a crucial concern. “I understand people who believe Ukrainians may be Nazis, the propaganda was huge,” Serhyi admits, speaking from experience. “I understand, as I was a victim of that propaganda.” He mentioned that we should think critically, noting similar scenarios in Moldova, Chechnya, and Georgia.
At the same time, Serhyi believes that Putin’s legacy has become worse since the invasion. “I don’t think Russia will manage to steal Ukrainian culture, despite his attempts to. People used to relate Ukraine to the USSR, and think it is part of Russia. Now, people know the difference. The invasion provoked an opposite movement, of people understanding how to fight against Russian propaganda”. For Ukrainians like Serhyi, the path forward requires balancing multiple priorities: maintaining independence, implementing reforms, and building a distinctly Ukrainian future. Despite frustrations over corruption and international support, they remain committed to their European path while confronting the realities of their past decisions.
