A YEAR OF WAR: The Green Youth of Ukraine
On day 365 of Putin’s 3-day war of aggression against Ukraine, we take this opportunity to recognise the resilience and bravery of the people of Ukraine.
Despite the atrocities being committed by Russian forces, the people of Ukraine have learned to adapt to the uncertainty of the times they are living in. The work of activists and volunteers has been essential to supporting those most affected by the war. Mariia Patrul, head of the Green Youth of Ukraine (Зелена молодь України), recounted her experiences of the past year, the current work of the Green Youth of Ukraine, and the importance of solidarity and support from Europe and beyond.
‘Personal safety and the safety of our loved ones is the top priority of every minute today. Regardless of the various life circumstances caused by this war (some people were forced to emigrate abroad, some were forced to relocate within the country) at the end of the year we were able to hold an internal organisational event.
Unfortunately, fellow members have people to worry for, because they are in the ranks of the Ukrainian armed forces, or have families who remain in the occupation zone. Ukrainians now spend most of their time in bomb shelters and basements, plan their schedule taking into account the availability of electricity, the internet and, of course, air raid alerts.
The war localised public activity and directed it to help soldiers and displaced persons. As our territory is de-occupied, problems with abandoned and homeless animals arose, and the arrival of winter intensified these problems. These are all new challenges that face us.’
[Read more about how Ukrainians have learned to adapt to the uncertainties and challenges of life at war here]
In times of peace, the Green Youth of Ukraine were working in their communities to promote political ecology, LGBTQ+ rights, and educate young people about the importance of preserving our environment. Now, they are actively engaged in helping their communities fight against Russian aggression.
‘The main priority now is safety and victory. But these are the main priorities of every Ukrainian. Every conscious person is now trying to do their best in their place for our victory.
We have a lot of work ahead of us. War does have an ecological face: many chemical compounds are released into the atmosphere during the detonation of shells and rockets, shelling of oil depots, thermal and hydroelectric power plants, gas pipelines, chemical plants and warehouses, (which are enemy targets) all cause dire consequences for the environment, biodiversity, and people.
War does not leave anyone behind - "witness trauma" is experienced by people who are not directly affected by hostilities. The war has a detrimental effect on the mental health of many Ukrainians.
The problem of deportation of Ukrainian children to the territory of the occupying country needs special attention. Thousands of children are taken out of the occupied territories under various names - "for rehabilitation", "evacuation", etc. There is also the so-called "denazification" - one of the goals of the Russian Federation. In other words, an act of genocide of the Ukrainian people, which is happening right now.
Therefore, there are many challenges facing us now. And everyone in their place should do their best to win and to rebuild a sustainable and green Ukraine.’
Like much of Europe, Ukraine has been reliant on Russian energy for decades. Whilst countries across the continent have seen energy prices soar, in Ukraine, power cuts have become the norm as Russia turns energy into a weapon of war. It is a particularly cruel way to learn the repercussions of reliance on Russian energy sources.
‘I was born and live in a country that has a Soviet legacy - it's not only nuclear and thermal plants, industry and so on, it's also the attitude of the state, business and users to natural resources, energy, etc.
For 30 years of struggle with the gas and oil "needle" from the Kremlin, exporting our own electricity, we proved to be unprepared for today's challenges. Only a small number of small businesses and households that have prioritised energy independence and autonomy, based on alternative energy sources, can work stably or have heat at home. This is especially acutely felt after the enemy's bombing of our energy system, when most Ukrainians found themselves without light and heat in their homes in the winter.
Ukraine is learning a lesson at a high price, having previously made many mistakes. Learn from our mistakes. Security, independence and freedom are today's challenges, and Green Energy is a support that gives confidence in overcoming these challenges.’
Whilst the 2014 annexation of Crimea was met with denunciations and ineffective sanctions from the European community, the full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year was met with a substantially more meaningful response in support of Ukraine. The acknowledgement that Putin would not end his imperialist ambitions until he was satisfied, and that victory for Ukraine was the only way to prevent this, has encouraged dozens of states from Europe and beyond to send arms, aid, and funds to support the Ukrainian war effort.
‘I was personally pleasantly surprised by Europe! It is clear that there are individual cases of disappointment, but taking into account the history of Russian military aggression, for example, in Moldova, Georgia, and since 2014, in relation to us, there is something to be surprised about and something to be thankful for! This war has opened the eyes of the world to the challenges of the present and the future. Our situation helps many to reconsider their strategy, economy, and attitudes. I am sure that those who see it and act will help us along the way. Therefore, once again I thank all European countries and citizens for supporting my country and the Ukrainian people.’
Humanitarian aid has been welcomed by Ukrainians over the past year, as the damage, be it physical, mental, or infrastructural, has worsened. The Green Youth of Ukraine have been particularly active in delivering support to those most vulnerable across the country.
‘Since the beginning of Autumn 2022, humanitarian hubs have been opened in Mykolaiv, Zaporizhia and Dnipro cities, and already three rounds of aid have been distributed to these hubs with subsequent redistribution to target groups. These are internally displaced persons who have left their homes, hospitals, and socially vulnerable sections of the population. For example, the minimum pension payment in Ukraine is currently at the level of €50, and the allowance for newborns is €25.
The issue of supporting structures dealing with homeless and abandoned animals is also important. There is a great need for food for animals in liberated territories and in cities close to combat. Unfortunately, there are a lot of such animals, and the winter weather only worsens the situation. We are constantly approached with this request not only by animal rights activists, but also by the military.
[Read more about the work of animal rescue volunteers in Ukraine here]
The incredible strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people has shown not just Europe, but the world, that Russian imperialist aggression can, and should, be challenged. The war does not seem like it will end soon, but the European community continues to stand with the people of Ukraine, and will until all Ukrainian territory is liberated.
Believe in us, in the Ukrainian people, in the Ukrainian Army, that we have the strength and resilience to defeat not only the external, but also the internal enemy, and become full-fledged members of the European family.’
Donations to support the work of Green Youth of Ukraine’s volunteers are possible by contacting Norman Volger, City Councilor in Leipzig, or contact the Green Youth of Ukraine at greenyouthukraine@gmail.com to donate directly.