Ukrainian leaders share first-hand accounts of democratic resilience at The University of Manchester
Ukrainian leaders shared powerful stories of survival and resilience at The University of Manchester, highlighting their efforts to rebuild after Russia青瓜视频檚 occupation.
On Tuesday, 25 February, students and academics gathered at The University of Manchester to hear first-hand accounts of resilience and democratic resistance from Ukrainian leaders. The event, Democratic Resilience After De-Occupation: Local Communities青瓜视频� Response to Russia青瓜视频檚 War Against Ukraine, provided an eye-opening insight into life under occupation and the efforts to rebuild in the face of destruction.
First-Hand Accounts of Survival and Resistance
The panel featured key figures such as Larysa Bilozir, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Committee on State Building, Local Governance, Regional, and Urban Development. She spoke passionately about the significance of international audiences engaging with Ukrainian voices, expressing gratitude for those who attended to listen and learn.
Tatiana Sviridenko, Head of the Ivankiv community in the Kyiv region, shared harrowing details of the war青瓜视频檚 impact on local communities, particularly the elderly. 青瓜视频淢any of those who lost their homes were pensioners,青瓜视频� she said, highlighting the devastating personal toll. One story that resonated deeply was the destruction of the Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum, which housed 25 paintings by renowned artist Maria Prymachenko. In an extraordinary act of bravery, three residents ran into the burning building to save the artwork.
This act symbolised how we hold on to our heritage despite everything.
Joining the discussion were several other Ukrainian leaders dedicated to the country青瓜视频檚 reconstruction and democratic resilience.
Mykola Stefanishyn, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, highlighted the strategic efforts being made to rebuild war-torn regions, while Natalia Pipa, Member of Parliament and Secretary of the Committee on Education, Science, and Innovation, spoke about the impact of war on Ukraine青瓜视频檚 education system and the steps being taken to ensure learning continues despite the hardships.
Preserving Identity and History
Vitaliy Beloborov, Deputy Head of the Kherson City Military Administration, discussed Russia青瓜视频檚 attempts to erase Ukrainian identity and culture. During its eight-month occupation, Russian forces sought to eliminate historical records and symbols of resistance. In response, Kherson has established a Museum of Resistance to preserve everyday items that became symbols of survival.
A battered photograph, a piece of clothing, even a kitchen utensil青瓜视频攖hese all tell a story of defiance.
He also warned about the dangers of Russian disinformation campaigns, emphasizing that 青瓜视频減rofessional methods are used to distort the truth.青瓜视频� His call to action was clear: by listening, sharing stories, and raising awareness, the international community can play a vital role in countering propaganda.
The discussion also featured Anatoliy Fedoruk, the Mayor of Bucha, a city that has become a powerful symbol of Ukrainian resilience following the atrocities committed during Russia青瓜视频檚 occupation. He shared his city青瓜视频檚 painful experiences and the efforts being made to restore normalcy and honour the memories of those lost.
A Call for Global Solidarity
Oksana Prodan, Advisor to the Head of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, reinforced the importance of international support.
Every voice matters in this fight.
The panellists stressed that conversations like these help amplify Ukraine青瓜视频檚 struggle and ensure that the world remains engaged.
The gratitude expressed by the speakers highlighted how vital external support is, not only in terms of material aid but also in keeping Ukraine青瓜视频檚 story in the global spotlight. The simple act of listening, asking questions, and seeking to understand was acknowledged as a form of solidarity that strengthens Ukraine青瓜视频檚 resistance.
A key theme that ran throughout the discussion was an unshakable pride in being Ukrainian. 青瓜视频淲e will win this war,青瓜视频� one speaker declared with conviction. Their words reflected not just hope, but an unwavering belief in the resilience of their people and their commitment to democracy.
Lessons for the Future
The event concluded with a powerful takeaway: listening is an act of resistance. By hearing and understanding Ukraine青瓜视频檚 fight for survival, attendees became part of a broader effort to uphold truth and justice. In a world where disinformation and apathy threaten to silence critical voices, events like these remind us of the importance of engagement and advocacy.
The Ukrainian leaders left the audience with a simple but profound message: solidarity matters, and the world must continue to stand with Ukraine.
Educational Initiatives Supporting Democratic Resilience
As part of broader efforts to educate and engage students in contemporary political challenges, the event was organized under the Ukraine Rises course, sponsored by the . This is the first contemporary politics course in the United Kingdom based in a social science department.
Olga Onuch, Professor of Comparative and Ukrainian Politics, emphasized how the course complements the themes of resilience and civic responsibility discussed throughout the event:
The fact that students were able to personally meet and hear from local and national politicians who not only lived through the horrors of occupation but are now showing abundant resilience in the reconstruction of their towns means students saw first-hand what is possible when citizens and politicians choose civic duty to bolster their democratic resilience.