When the World Turns Away, Ukraine Stands Tall

“The glory and will of Ukraine has not yet perished.”

This is the opening line of Ukraine’s national anthem translated into English. Despite reaching the three-year mark of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the country is still standing, and the line still remains true. The first month of the second Trump administration has highlighted that the cards are stacked against Ukraine. And to say that I’m disgusted is an understatement.

Prior to the election, Trump claimed that he would end the war before stepping foot in the Oval Office. This did not happen. Rather, we have witnessed his long standing allyship with Putin front and center.

The United States and Russia have begun having peace talks; without Ukraine in the equation. How can you have peace talks when the country being attacked isn’t included in the discussion? It’s like two children arguing over a toy, but leaving the child who owns the toy out of the discussion. Ridiculous right?

I’m a proud Ukrainian-American. My grandparents on both sides of my family emigrated to the United States to seek a better life for their families while still maintaining those roots in Ukraine. Being Ukrainian has always been an important part of my identity. So, you can imagine my shock and horror when I once overheard two students in one of my classes calling Ukrainians “crybabies” and claiming that no one cares about it.

Ukraine has an incredibly long history of being resilient during times of turmoil and political upheaval, and if you believe demanding peace and freedom is what constitutes being a crybaby, then open a history book and tell me what you find.

When I was younger, I noticed above my grandmother’s couch hung a black and white photo of a man with a bushy mustache. Years later, I discovered it was a photo of Taras Shevchenko, a famous Ukrainian poet amongst many other things. When taking a look at his works, I found a poem entitled “Shall we ever meet again” with the final line stating, “Love your dear Ukraine, adore her. Love her…in fierce times of evil. In the last dread hour of struggle, fervently beseech God for her.” This line has taken on a brand-new life and meaning, 187 years later.

To watch the country I was born and raised in actively work against the best interests of the country of my heritage is a different form of heartbreak. Whether you believe it or not, Trump and Putin’s partnership is bad news.

Not only is it a threat to Ukraine, but it is a threat to the United States, and democracy as a whole. But to see other European countries rally around Ukraine gives me hope, even during times where it’s hard to muster up faith. It is in times of darkness where hope shines the brightest.

You may not see Ukraine trending on TikTok anymore. You may not see videos about Ukraine posted under some trending audio. I can’t force you to care, but I urge you to pay attention to what’s at stake, both domestic and foreign. Ukraine is still fighting, and the fight won’t stop until someone backs down. But if there’s one thing about Ukrainians, it’s that we have an indomitable spirit that won’t be knocked down in the face of dictatorship and oppression. Rather, we rise with resilience, unity, and unwavering hope for freedom.

Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine).