The power of belief
The lesson that Ukrainians teach the world.
Everything starts with a belief, and it’s the driving force of our lives. The same goal looks achievable to some and absolutely out of reach to others because people have different beliefs about the world and themselves, formed by society and upbringing. That’s why the collective West, which gave Ukraine three days to live when the first Russian tanks drove over the border, was so surprised to see it holding on for more than 1000 days. Ukrainians were told that it was impossible to resist Russia, that they were doomed to fail, and that surrender was the best option. It was the belief imposed on Ukrainians, but beliefs limit only those who carry them and have no power over others. People in Ukraine have always believed that they should be free from Russian oppression and live in peace and prosperity on their land. It has never been a wish or a hope, but a belief that comes deep from the core of being someone who values freedom and loves their home.
No amount of pressure, gaslighting, threats, or abuse can change someone’s belief about freedom. On the contrary, it only makes it stronger. People in the West write grim articles with predictions about what they think will happen to Ukraine, while Ukrainians keep fighting on the frontline and shaping the reality with their actions. The world trembles in fear when Russia launches an intercontinental ballistic missile as part of never-ending nuclear blackmail. At the same time, Ukrainians, at whom such missiles are aimed, keep resisting, working, caring for their families, and refusing to be suppressed by Western weakness and Russian aggression.
“I need ammunition, not a ride,” – the famous answer of President Zelensky when he was offered to flee to the U.S. and betray Ukraine on the verge of the full-scale invasion.
“Russian warship, go f*ck yourself!” – the answer of the Ukrainian border guard of Snake Island, a tiny island in the Black Sea, when ordered to surrender by the Russian missile cruiser.
“Take these seeds and put them in your pockets, so at least sunflowers will grow when you die here,” – the words of a Ukrainian woman to heavily armed Russian soldiers when they invaded her native town in the Kherson region.
“Glory to Ukraine!” – were the last words of Oleksandr Matsievskyi, the unarmed and injured Ukrainian soldier, standing in front of the grave he was forced to dig out for himself before Russians shot him.
Ukrainians live according to their beliefs of freedom and justice, which scares some and inspires others. Every time someone tries to force Ukraine to give up by delaying the promised ammunition, prohibiting Ukraine from striking into Russia, appeasing or making deals with Putin – they impose the beliefs of slaves on free people. This is why they will never succeed.
“Belief holds greater strength than money. We are believers, and no matter how arduous the journey may be, victory is our destiny.”
A quote by Dmytro Shtanko, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and a soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Killed in action in the battle for Bakhmut in October 2022.
Keep standing with Ukraine.
Warmly,
Darya
Email: daryazorka@substack.com
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Glory to Ukraine 🙏🇺🇦🙏
This is beautiful and powerful.
I can tell you that supporting Ukraine has informed my politics for years. I admire the tenacity of Ukrainians and have worked with many refugees where I live. You capture their admirable and resilient spirit perfectly.
Thank you. 🙏