When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, analysts around the globe predicted the country would fall in a matter of days. Almost six months later, the people of Ukraine remain united in their resistance to Putin’s war, with Ukrainian youth very much at the forefront.

The remarkable resilience of the Ukrainian nation has shocked and impressed many observers around the world. But those of us who live and work in Ukraine are not nearly so surprised. As the conflict approaches the six-month mark, it is important to understand that a war designed to crush Ukrainian independence has in fact resulted in a stronger, unifying Ukrainian identity centered on the principles of freedom and democracy. This is best exemplified by the mood among young Ukrainians.

Read the full article on the Atlantic.

Mehri Druckman is IREX’s Country Director for Ukraine and Chief of Party for the USAID funded Ukraine National Identity Through Youth (UNITY) program. SpivDiia is an IREX grantee.