Vlada Toporkova

“Land, my dear land!” begins the trailer for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, the long-awaited return of the beloved Ukrainian game franchise—after 15 years. On screen, the character Richter sings, gesturing toward the desolate world outside. The song and scenery strike a chord for many Ukrainians, who may quietly hum along to the familiar lyrics.

Isolated and nearly ally-less, North Korea has thrust itself onto the world stage, even deploying its troops to back Russia in its full-scale war against Ukraine. North Korean propagandists have joined Russia’s chorus, adding Ukraine to their narrative. But who are these propagandists, and just how far does their influence reach?

As Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine enters its third year, Western governments face a choice: act now or risk global instability. The West must sufficiently provide aid and arm Ukraine to win or face the consequences of unchecked Russian expansion.

From the Mariupol Drama Theatre, where children sought shelter at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, to the frescoed home of artist Polina Rayko in Oleshky, and the Transfiguration Cathedral in Odesa—no part of Ukraine’s history is safe from Russia’s aggression. Whether by missile or occupation, Ukraine’s centuries-old culture and history, like its people, are being relentlessly destroyed.

In just six years, Ukraine has surged from 102nd to 5th place globally in digital public services—all while enduring relentless Russian attacks. But how did a nation at war transform into a leader of the digital revolution?

“I had a wonderful childhood, a great life, and good friends,” says Dany, a 27-year-old drone pilot, recalling her home city of Luhansk with a wistful smile. When Russia occupied Luhansk in 2014, she was just 16. Today, as Russia bombards Kharkiv and Kyiv—the cities she now calls home—Dany is no longer a child. Today, she serves in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and fights back. “I won’t let them take my home from me twice.”