Learn to talk about war

Yulia Marushevska

For hundreds of years, Russia has been trying to conquer Ukraine. In different ways at different
times. Nothing has changed today. The threat of active hostilities is permanent for Ukraine. All
we can do is be ready to defend ourselves.

One day in Jerusalem, I met an 18-year-old girl who had just served in the Israeli army. I saw
with my own eyes how Israel learned to live and develop in the face of constant military threats.

In Ukraine, the war has shaped the lives of many - some on the front lines, some helping the
front, some reforming, some displaced, and some continue to live in the war zone or on the line
of demarcation. We have learned to live with war, both with a temporary problem and without
realizing that it is our constant companion. That is why, in the face of another escalation and
Putin's military rampage, questions are still being asked: "Will there be a war?"

As a citizen, I want politicians to have an honest discussion of the situation. Not bragging about
the indomitable Ukrainian spirit and not diplomatic avoidance of talking about real risks, but
open dialogue between officials and the people. I want to be told: "If there is the slightest chance
of a full-scale Russian invasion, then as a state we must be ready. There is such a possibility.
And although the government is doing everything possible at the diplomatic level to prevent this
from happening, the Ukrainian people must be ready to defend themselves.

International partners will help with weapons, but it will be our struggle. The army is under-
reformed, and the capacity of state institutions may not be enough to win. We will be able to
achieve it by relying only on the Ukrainian people. The future depends on the readiness of each
of us for war. "

When empires decide to start a war, they organize all the necessary provocations. One of the
prerequisites for the successful overcoming of the crisis by the states is the recognition of reality,
writes Jared Diamond. And it seems that we will have to accept that a full-scale war with Russia
is more a matter of time. Living with the awareness of war is not as scary as living with
uncertainty. Because the feeling of security is given not by avoiding unpleasant discussions, but
by preparing and solving problems.

Friends from the West are asking in a panic how I plan to evacuate due to Putin's latest moves. It
is difficult for them to understand my inner peace and confidence in my country. Ukrainians
have repeatedly stopped the Kremlin offensive and have a unique experience in the world to
counter Moscow's aggression. We do not panic - not because we are not afraid of war, but
because as a nation we have been opposed to Russian authoritarianism for centuries.

Russia is not a new threat to Ukraine. Each of our movements towards our own statehood is a
movement from Moscow. And the further we move in the direction of civilization, the more
aggressive our neighbor will become.
The challenge for Ukrainian politicians will be is to learn to talk to their people about the war.
About real problems, pain, losses and daily struggles. They must speak without intimidation or
avoidance, uniting and building at the same time. Yes, war destroys states, but it also builds -
those who accept reality, learn to live with it, develop and eventually win.

And only the Ukrainian people will be able to win this hybrid war, as well as build a successful
modern Ukraine. The people who know how to survive must now learn to win.