Resistance, resilience, recovery: Ukraine’s civil society in wartime
Since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine’s civil society has grown into one of the most vibrant and resilient in the region, playing a central role in shaping the country’s democratic path and pro-European identity. Throughout this time, citizens have mobilized in defence of human rights, sovereignty and political accountability. This civic strength became essential in responding to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and this is still true today.
September 27, 2025 -
Liza Bezvershenko
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Hot TopicsIssue 5 2025Magazine
Bezvershenko
Since the Russian full-scale invasion, volunteering became a way of life for Ukrainians. Over 80 per cent of Ukrainians have consistently donated or volunteered to support military and humanitarian causes.
Photo: Drop of Light / Shutterstock
“The people shall be the sole source of power in Ukraine,” declares Article 5 of the Constitution of Ukraine. Through decades of the country’s historical trajectory, Ukrainian citizens have been not only embracing this constitutional right but actively exercising it to raise their voice and shape the national agenda. Located at the geopolitical crossroads between Europe and Russia, Ukraine has always faced existential threats, and its civil society has consistently served as the voice of the country’s pro-European and pro-democratic choice. Through successive waves of resistance, Ukrainian civil society has become one of the most vibrant, responsive and authentic in the region.
Since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine has emerged from the post-Soviet era burdened by the legacy of weak post-communist state institutions, fragile governance structures, and political leadership still heavily influenced by Moscow. Having been severely suppressed under Soviet rule, many civil society leaders became more outspoken for national sovereignty, identity and autonomy. Their efforts focused on promoting the Ukrainian language and culture alongside a sovereign political strategy. As in other post-Soviet countries, Ukrainian society was marked by deep mistrust of top-down governance. Hence, a culture of grassroots mobilization and horizontal coordination was more natural and safer, laying the foundation for national unity and civic solidarity.
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civil society, resilience, Russia's war against Ukraine, Ukraine
