The impact of the war on Ukrainian youth

The full-scale war in Ukraine has deeply disrupted the lives of young people, forcing them to adapt to unprecedented uncertainty and upheaval. Their aspirations, opportunities, and everyday realities have been fundamentally altered by the ongoing conflict. Understanding the unique challenges faced by this generation is crucial for comprehending the resilience of Ukrainian society and its prospects for long-term recovery.

Young people are at the heart of any nation’s future, and their ability to adapt and persevere under such extreme conditions provides valuable insights into how Ukraine can rebuild and thrive. Recognizing this, the British Council has conducted an in-depth study to explore how the war has shaped young people’s experiences, choices, and outlook on life. This report not only highlights the struggles faced by Ukrainian youth but also emphasizes their strength and determination in overcoming challenges.

Key Insights

The British Council's study, conducted by LSE Consulting, provides a comprehensive look at how the war has impacted young Ukrainians and their vision for the future. The conflict has disrupted nearly every aspect of their lives, including education, employment, health, and social relationships. Security remains the top priority, though its meaning varies from physical safety in frontline areas to economic stability in other regions. Internally displaced youth face particularly acute challenges, including barriers to housing, education, and employment, alongside significant emotional and psychological stress.

Despite these difficulties, young Ukrainians are showing remarkable resilience. Many embrace a strong national identity, distancing themselves from Russian cultural influences, and are committed to building a democratic and independent Ukraine aligned with European values. While the unpredictability of war hinders long-term planning, there is a prevailing optimism about Ukraine's eventual victory and aspirations for EU and NATO integration. Young people remain determined to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction, highlighting the need for international support, mental health resources, and inclusive opportunities for development and civic engagement.

Personal Reflection

The war in Ukraine has completely changed our lives, especially for young people. As someone living through this war, I see how the problems described in the British Council report are part of my life and the lives of those around me. The challenges we face are immense: from the constant threat to our safety and the destruction of infrastructure, to the emotional toll of living in such uncertain times. Many of us have lost loved ones, been forced to leave our homes, or have seen our futures clouded by instability. Yet, despite these hardships, there is a strong sense of hope and determination in our generation. We refuse to let the war define us entirely. People are coming together in unexpected ways, supporting each other and finding strength in community. Whether through volunteering, pursuing education despite the risks, or contributing to the resistance in small or large ways, the resilience of young Ukrainians is clear. Our determination to rebuild and move forward, to dream of a peaceful future, is what keeps us going even in the darkest moments.

My Perspective

When the war began, it felt like the world we knew had collapsed. Everything we thought was stable, our homes, plans, and even small daily habits, changed overnight. Many of us, including me, had to rethink what is really important. Safety, which we used to take for granted, became the number one priority. Every air raid siren reminds us how fragile life is, but it also shows us how much we value what we still have.

I see my friends trying to continue their studies online, even with power outages or feeling too tired to concentrate. They keep going because they believe education is key to rebuilding Ukraine. I’ve also faced uncertainty about my future plans. How do you make decisions for the future when you don’t even know what will happen next month? Still, we’ve learned to focus on what we can do, helping others, volunteering, and supporting our country in any way possible.

The report mentions how social connections have changed, and I feel this strongly. Over the past two years, I’ve lost contact with some people whose views don’t match mine anymore. It’s painful, but it feels necessary. At the same time, I’ve built closer relationships with people who share my love for Ukraine and care about its future. This war has redefined what friendship and community mean for us. The rejection of Russian culture, especially among young people, is something I see everywhere. Music, books, even the language, many of us are now choosing Ukrainian over Russian. For me, it’s not just about culture. It’s about who we are, our identity, and our pride in being Ukrainian.

Despite all the difficulties, we are still looking to the future. I believe that after this war, Ukraine will have a chance to become stronger, not just as a country, but as a people. Many of my friends are already thinking about how they can help rebuild Ukraine when the time comes. Whether through volunteering, politics, or simply staying here, we want to play our part.

Looking Ahead

It’s true that most of us only plan day by day, but we still believe in Ukraine’s victory. We know that this depends on support from other countries and our own efforts. Personally, I feel a responsibility to speak up for Ukraine, to remind the world that helping us is not just about Ukraine, it’s about defending freedom and human rights. This war has taught us many lessons, but the most important one is about our strength as a nation. We’ve faced terrible challenges, but we continue to hope for a better future. That hope is what gives us the courage to keep going, even when things seem impossible.

Anna Kovalevych