When I came to Kyiv in 2013 to study journalism, nearly every conversation about the future among my fellow young Ukrainians eventually came down to one question: How to leave the country for a chance of a better life.
Back then, there was no war, no daily attacks or funerals — just a growing sense of frustration and a longing for change. The EuroMaidan protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations demanding closer ties with the European Union, quickly evolved into a powerful movement for national identity and sovereignty. Young people, many of whom were still in their twenties, became the heart of this movement, carrying banners, singing national anthems, and standing firm in the face of government crackdowns.
Today, the author reflects on how the spirit of that movement lives on in a new generation of Ukrainian protesters. Despite the scars of war and the ongoing conflict with Russia, young Ukrainians continue to mobilize for change, whether through peaceful demonstrations or solidarity efforts. The article emphasizes the resilience of Ukrainian youth and their unwavering commitment to a brighter future, even in the face of immense hardship. It underscores the importance of remembering the past while looking boldly toward the future, as the next generation carries the torch of hope and resistance forward.