Olha Tsarenko, 15 years old

Winner of the 2024 essay contest, 2st place

Kryvyi Rih Lyceum № 35 "Impulse"

Teacher who inspired to write an essay - Olena Viacheslavivna Kucherenko

 

«1000 days of war. My way»

Unity is the foundation on which great nations are built. Nowadays, I often think about a difficult question: Did Ukraine retain its unity during the full-scale invasion of the invaders? Undoubtedly, at the beginning of the war, Ukrainians demonstrated incredible cohesion. We saw people of different views unite for a common goal - the defence of their homeland.

The volunteer movement has reached unprecedented proportions, and the willingness to help each other has become a true manifestation of our unity.

One of the most striking examples of a selfless Ukrainian woman for me was my mother, Alla Volodymyrivna Tsarenko, a senior nurse at a hospital in Kryvyi Rih. With the outbreak of war, the number of military personnel in the hospital grew, and conversations with them revealed that they always lacked bandages, antiseptics, and painkillers.

My mother immediately started coordinating the collection of the necessary medicines. She involved her colleagues, friends, and acquaintances.

This expanded the circle of people ready to support our defenders and helped to collect everything our heroes needed. Like many other caring people, my mother's volunteer work continues to this day, bringing our victory closer and saving lives every day.

But over time, I began to notice certain changes.

The initial surge of patriotism is gradually subsiding, and confrontation is beginning to escalate in our views. There are signs of internal strife, which distracts us all from the main goal - defeating the enemy.

Why is this happening? In my opinion, there are several reasons. War is a long and exhausting process; the enemy's information warfare is aimed at dividing; economic difficulties have a negative impact on social cohesion. What can be done to restore the lost unity?

I think, firstly, we need to realise the importance of this issue.

Unity is the key to our victory, making us strong in the face of any challenges.

Second, we need to activate civil society.

Every Ukrainian can join volunteer activities, support the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and inform others about the importance of unity.

Third, the government should create conditions for dialogue between different social groups.

It is important to ensure justice, transparency, and equality before the law. Finally, each of us must remember our responsibility to future generations. Because unity is not just an abstract concept, it is a vital condition for the survival and development of Ukraine.

Only by uniting will we be able to overcome all difficulties and build a happy future.

In my opinion, another example of selfless unity is the story of Andriy Koromysl, a professional driver from Kryvyi Rih. Until 2022, his life was full of happiness and joy, plans and hopes. Like thousands of other Ukrainians, Andriy received a call-up and did not hesitate to go to defend his country. His driving skills came in handy at the front.

He evacuated the wounded, delivered ammunition, and performed the most difficult tasks. Thanks to his professionalism and courage, Andriy quickly became an indispensable member of his brigade.

But war is not only about heroism; it is also about suffering, loss, and exhaustion. Andriy saw the deaths of his comrades and felt the full burden of war. Due to the lack of trained personnel, the defender had to go into battle not as a driver but as an infantryman. He knew he was risking his life but could not leave his comrades in need.

Andriy gave his life for our freedom.

But are we worthy of his sacrifice? Are we doing everything we can to bring victory closer?

This question worries everyone who thinks about what is happening around them. We live in safety while our defenders hold the frontline. But do we realise the price they pay for our peace? Are we doing enough to support them?

Forgetting about a common enemy is the worst thing we can do.

Every idle eye, every quarrel, every manifestation of internal struggle is a small victory for the enemy. They want to see us weak, divided, incapable of resistance. We have to realise that our unity is not just a desire but a necessity. It is the shield that protects us from our enemies. Every life we lose at the front is a reminder that the war is not over yet.

Every defender's victory is the result of collective efforts. Yes, it is our common goal, our shared desires, our united strength.