"The smell reveals them during decomposition." A journalist describes the terrible consequences of frost in Ukraine
A journalist discusses the harsh realities of survival in Ukraine amid ongoing warfare and extreme weather conditions.
In an interview, journalist Adam Sybera discusses the dire state of life in Ukraine, emphasizing that the war is not just a question of resilience but of survival. He criticizes the focus on Ukraine's resilience from an outside perspective, arguing that it is akin to admiring someone struggling to swim while they are actually drowning. Sybera asserts that for Ukrainians, fighting is not a choice; they view it as an existential battle for their sovereignty, identity, and the right to self-determination, which they believe Russia is trying to erase.
Sybera dismisses conversations about whether Ukraine has the strength to continue, stating that they have no option but to persist in their fight. He explains that for many Ukrainians, especially the younger generation who have known nothing but war, the idea of life without conflict is hard to conceive. This perspective offers a glimpse into the depth of the war's impact on societal norms and attitudes, showing how the continuous strain of conflict shapes their daily realities.
He highlights issues such as chronic fatigue and sleep disruptions, which are prevalent both in society and the military due to the persistent stress of war and recent severe winter conditions. The challenges faced are not only physical but psychological, reflecting the toll that ongoing warfare and environmental hardships are taking on the Ukrainian population's mental health and overall well-being.