The article discusses the thoughts of Ukrainian writer Ostap Slyvynsky, who reflects on how war fundamentally changes the lives of those affected by it as well as the meanings of words. He emphasizes that some meanings dull and thus require sharpening, while others become sharpened to the point of causing injury. Amid the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Slyvynsky compiled his own Dictionary of War, which conveys the real experiences, thoughts, and feelings surrounding conflict rather than relying on fictional narratives.

Published in 2023 in the book edition of Denník N, the Dictionary of War includes contributions from Slovak photographers who documented the realities in Ukraine during the first year of the war. Their photographs complement Slyvynsky's texts, providing a visual context to the harrowing experiences described in the book. Notably, the work encapsulates the surreal and often painful transformation of language and meaning as people navigate the realities of war.

In examining the impact of the war on everyday life, the article highlights the severe conditions faced by cities like Mariupol, which has suffered loss of heating, electricity, water, and gas. This destruction, coupled with the emotional weight carried by those who live through it, reiterates the profound changes that take place in society during conflict, making Slyvynsky's reflections particularly poignant as they urge readers to consider both the physical and psychological toll of war.