Standing with Ukraine: global empathy in the face of war

I learned about the fragility of freedom during my childhood in Soviet-occupied Estonia. As we observe the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine today, that lesson feels all too relevant. It’s 33 years since I stood on the roadside in my hometown, watching the Russian tanks leave.

Their departure marked the end of a dark era in Estonia’s history; more than 50 years of occupation by Soviet Russia.

Those dark days are recalled today, as we are mark two sombre milestones. It’s two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and 10 since its occupation of Crimea and attack on Donbas.

Those anniversaries must serve as a critical reminder.

We must never become desensitised to the injustice and horror of this war. The fighting in Ukraine is not some distant event that can be normalised by the rest of Europe. It is an urgent call to action. We must actto prevent our history’s darkest chapters from being repeated.

The commonplace of oppression

I grew up used to life under occupation. Lack of freedom and long lines for basic necessities were the day-to-day reality of my early childhood. Families in Ukraine today must adapt to far worse.

Children are growing up under the wail air-raid sirens and learning maths in bomb shelters. That should never be normalised. This forced adaptation to life under siege, the realities of occupation and conflict should never become childhood normalcy.

Fading empathy in a war-weary world

In conflicts from Syria to Ukraine we see how the world’s initial empathy and outrage can fade over time as ‘compassion fatigue’ sets in.

Rather than ruin our mood for the day, we can simply switch off when a news report on the  Bucha massacre warns ‘beware of graphic images’. What a contrast with the unyielding reality faced by families enduring war and occupation, for whom such atrocities are an inescapable fact of daily life.

A survey of Ukrainians last October showed that the share of those who believe the West is tiring of Ukraine had increased significantly^[1]. We must change that. As Ukrainians persevere in their struggle, it’s more important than ever that we, as a global community, show we are not tired of the fight and we stand with their resistance, because we know that freedom is priceless.

A call to action

I urge readers to take practical steps to extend their support for Ukraine through humanitarian aid with donations via sites such as this official Ukrainian website; to remain informed about the war; and to advocate for a sustained international focus on the conflict.

By lending our voices and resources, we can help ensure that Ukraine’s fight for freedom and dignity is recognised and supported worldwide. This call to action is not just to provide immediate relief but to stand in solidarity with a nation’s fight for its future – and ours.

Bridging divides through openness

As a youngster, I developed a belief in open societies and the movement of talent across borders. That has become my professional mission. The work we do at Jobbatical is based on a fundamental commitment to the potential for collaboration and growth in a world without borders. I truly believe that isolation serves to deepen divides and hinder collective progress.

The global implications of growing divisiveness

The increasingly entrenched divisions within the United States, and the risk of a leader with authoritarian tendencies gaining control there, represent a serious concern not just for American democracy but for the entire world.

Such a scenario in the world’s leading democratic power must serve as a clear warning on the need for us all to stand together to protect the values of democracy and freedom everywhere.

This situation poses a particular challenge for Europe. It highlights the need for European nations to strengthen their commitment to democratic principles, heighten their ability to act independently, and maintain robust ties with the US.

US stability is vital for its citizen and is key for world peace, economic stability, and the defence of democratic ideals.

Advocating for a united stand against oppression

As we face a prolonged war in Ukraine, it is crucial that we do not succumb to apathy or indifference. Drawing from both my personal journey and professional endeavours, I support a renewed commitment to help and to care. The war in Ukraine is not just a regional conflict; it is a war that tests our global resolve to stand against oppression and fight for justice.

We must harness our collective empathy, action, and solidarity to advocate for change.

As we near the second anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, we must never allow the horrors of war to become just another news headline that we scroll over.

If we stand by and allow freedom be snatched from the brave people of Ukraine, we run the risk that it could also be taken from us. Imagine if our indifference today led to the same invaders repeating the Bucha massacre in the small towns of Finland or Belgium.

All of us have to care about what is happening in Ukraine and chip in with whatever we can to stop this terror from spreading across Europe.

We are at an historic turning point. Will our children or grandchildren look back and ask:“How come they didn’t do anything?” Or will they say proudly: “They took a stand; they did the right thing; and they crushed the evil that threatened our future.”

Let’s make sure that today, here and now, we are all standing on the right side of history.

[1]https://www.kiis.com.ua/?lang=ukr&cat=reports&id=1302&page=1

This article is part of Friends of Europe’s Ukraine Initiative series, find out more here. The views expressed in this #CriticalThinking article reflect those of the author(s) and not of Friends of Europe.