The War in Ukraine: A Clash of Generations
The ongoing war in Ukraine is not only a struggle for territory and sovereignty, but also a clash of generations. It pits the older generation, who have a Soviet legacy and nostalgia, against the younger generation, who have a European vision and ambition. How did this generational divide emerge, and what are its implications for the future of Ukraine and Europe?
The Soviet Legacy and the European Dream
The older generation of Ukrainians, who were born before or during the Second World War, experienced the hardships and horrors of Stalinism, Nazism, and the Cold War. They witnessed the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, and the emergence of independent Ukraine in 1991. For many of them, the Soviet era was a time of stability, security, and pride, despite the repression, censorship, and corruption that plagued the system. They also developed a strong sense of loyalty and gratitude to Russia, which they saw as a liberator from the Nazi occupation and a protector from the Western threat.
The younger generation of Ukrainians, who were born after 1991, grew up in a free and democratic Ukraine, and were exposed to the influences of the West and the European Union. They participated in the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 2013–2014 Euromaidan protests, which demanded closer integration with Europe and an end to corruption and authoritarianism. For many of them, the European Union represents a model of prosperity, democracy, and human rights, as well as a source of opportunities, education, and mobility. They also developed a strong sense of national identity and pride, as well as a desire for self-determination and sovereignty. This younger generation of Ukrainians, often called the “Born Free Generation”, is leading positive change on multiple fronts, including the military, civil society, government, media, and culture. They have shown remarkable resilience and courage in the face of Russia’s aggression and occupation of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, which began in 2014 and continues to this day. They have also contributed to the reform and modernization of Ukraine’s institutions and policies, aiming to align them with European standards and values.
The War and the Divide
The war in Ukraine, which started in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, has deepened the generational divide and challenged the national identity and culture of Ukrainians. The war has been fueled by the conflicting narratives and interests of Russia and the West, as well as by the internal divisions and grievances of the Ukrainian society.
The older generation, who tend to live in the eastern and southern parts of the country, where the Russian language and culture are dominant, have been more sympathetic to the Russian intervention and the separatist cause. They have been disillusioned by the post-Soviet transition and the failures of the Ukrainian state, and have felt marginalized and discriminated by the pro-Western policies and reforms of the Ukrainian government. They have also been influenced by the Russian propaganda, which portrays the war as a fight against fascism, NATO, and Ukrainian nationalism.
The younger generation, who tend to live in the central and western parts of the country, where the Ukrainian language and culture are prevalent, have been more supportive of the Ukrainian government and the pro-European orientation. They have been motivated by the ideals of the Euromaidan movement and the aspirations of the Ukrainian nation, and have felt threatened and betrayed by the Russian aggression and the separatist violence. They have also been exposed to the Western media, which portrays the war as a defense of democracy, sovereignty, and European values. This younger generation have shown remarkable resilience and courage in the face of Russia’s aggression and occupation of Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine, which began in 2014 and continues to this day.
According to some studies, states with youthful demographic profiles are more conflict-prone whereas older societies are more peaceful. But context is crucial. With Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, motivation to fight is a central aspect of the war: Ukraine’s younger generation is on the front line of its defensive fight against the Russian invasion, whereas in Russia, the younger generation is less supportive of the war. The younger generation in Ukraine has also faced significant challenges and hardships as a result of the war. Many have lost their relatives, friends, and homes in the conflict, and have experienced trauma, displacement, and poverty. Despite these obstacles, the younger generation has demonstrated a strong sense of solidarity, optimism, and creativity, and has sought to overcome the war’s negative impacts through various initiatives and projects.
The Consequences and the Opportunities
The war in Ukraine has claimed more than 100,000 lives, displaced more than a million people, and damaged the economy and infrastructure of the country. It has also exposed the fragility and vulnerability of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the limits and failures of its political and institutional reforms. The war has also affected the psychological and emotional well-being of Ukrainians, who have to cope with the trauma, grief, and loss of their loved ones, their homes, and their sense of belonging. Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, and need psychological and social support.
The war in Ukraine has also inspired a wave of cultural and artistic expression, as Ukrainians use literature, music, film, and art to reflect on their experiences, emotions, and aspirations. They also use these mediums to raise awareness, mobilize solidarity, and promote peace and reconciliation. The war has also offered an opportunity for dialogue and cooperation among the different generations, regions, and communities of Ukraine, as well as between Ukraine and its neighbors and partners. The war has also forced Ukrainians to confront their past, present, and future, and to define their identity, values, and goals.
The war in Ukraine is not only a geopolitical conflict, but also a civilizational and existential one. It is a war of generations, but also a war for generations. The outcome of the war will shape the destiny of Ukraine and Europe for decades to come. It is up to the Ukrainians, and especially the younger generation, to decide what kind of future they want for themselves and their country. A future of war or peace, of isolation or integration, of division or unity.
