The people of Ukraine are unyielding

As the war in Ukraine continues into its second year, a shared resilience emerges from those impacted by the conflict.

Whether speaking with refugees displaced by the destruction of their homes or sailors aboard a Ukrainian warship in Glasgow, the same unbreakable determination shines through.

For many Ukrainians, the war is not just a battle for territory but a fight for their identity and freedom. Despite the devastation—whether in the bombed-out streets of Mariupol or on the decks of a naval vessel—this spirit of defiance remains.

The Refugees of Glasgow

In Glasgow, I met Ukrainian refugees who had fled the destruction of their homes. Their stories were marked by loss and displacement—homes destroyed, families scattered, and lives uprooted.

One family from Kharkiv described spending weeks in a basement, waiting out the bombings. “We left when we realised there was nothing left to save,” the mother explained. Her words, though laden with sadness, carried a quiet determination.

But for many refugees, their focus remains on more than just survival. “We will go back. We will rebuild our lives,” said one refugee, speaking with a quiet but firm conviction. The belief in Ukraine’s eventual victory runs deep, even for those who have lost everything.

Aboard the Chernihiv

Earlier this year, I met with Ukrainian sailors aboard the warship Chernihiv—formerly HMS Grimsby—in Glasgow’s King George V Dock. There was something rather poignant about boarding a Ukrainian warship at the same dock that previously held the cruise ship hosting Ukrainian refugees, the cruise ship was apply named Ambition, I’ll put a photo below.

This ship, which now serves in the Ukrainian Navy, symbolises both the country’s resilience and its reliance on international partnerships.

The crew, many of whom had trained with the Royal Navy, embodied this sense of preparedness. As I toured the ship, one sailor explained how their training had prepared them for the upcoming NATO Exercise Sea Breeze. “We’ve trained hard for this,” he said. There was no mistaking the readiness in his voice.

Their mission, eventually, will be to become part of a broader effort to reclaim control of the Black Sea, which has become a strategic focal point in the conflict. “When the war is over, we’ll make sure the Black Sea is safe again,” another sailor added, referring to plans for de-mining efforts in the future.

Refugees and Sailors

What struck me most during my conversations with both the refugees and the sailors was how closely aligned their goals were. Though their circumstances differ, both groups remain committed to the same cause: ensuring a free and sovereign Ukraine. For the refugees, this means surviving and rebuilding. For the sailors, it means preparing for the day they can clear the seas of Russian mines.

Their unyielding spirit, reflected in both groups, underscores a larger truth: this is a nation united, regardless of where its citizens are based or what roles they play.

A Nation Unbroken

As I left the Chernihiv, I was struck by the determination that defined both the sailors and the refugees. Despite their challenges—be it losing homes or training for war—none of the people I spoke to had lost hope.

This resilience has come to define Ukraine’s fight. While the war may continue, the Ukrainian people—whether displaced families in Glasgow or sailors preparing for NATO exercises—remain unyielding. Their belief in a free, secure Ukraine will not be shaken.