With fire, sword, and kind words. The story of Europe’s rise to greatness and how Ukraine is now following a similar path.
When we chanted "Ukraine is Europe" on the Maidan, we meant not only that Ukraine belongs in the European Union but also that Ukraine is a part of European civilization—the very civilization that invented democracy, free elections, freedom of speech, and parliament—values of freedom that resonate with us. This stands in stark contrast to the despotic Asia represented for us by Russia, Putin, and Yanukovych.
But when I say "Ukraine is Europe" today, I have something else in mind.
I believe that Ukraine is Europe now, and apart from Ukraine, Europe has disappeared. Not in a geographical sense, of course—not in a literal sense, but in a conceptual and historical one.
If we consider the history of Europe not just in the 20th century but earlier, with all its Henries and Ludovics, customary law, and internal conflicts, it becomes clear that the spirit of that era perfectly aligns with the spirit of modern Ukraine. An immense creative drive, colossal inspiration, a readiness to fight at any moment, a thirst for all things new while still holding onto remnants of the old—that is who we are.
Perhaps we do not fully grasp every single contemporary European value, which represents a strange blend of centuries-old history, two world wars, and the social-democratic tradition of the last century. However, the values of the Europe that existed before—somewhat wild, a bit dirty, very chaotic, and mosaic-like, always in conflict but united not by geography but by spirit and ideas—are clear to us.
That Europe had the strength and inspiration to first master itself and then nearly the entire world, to give birth to American culture through hardship, and to spread its ideas, religions, and languages by fire and sword, and if that didn’t work, by kind words. We, in turn, have spread "Slava Ukraini" around the world, disseminating the idea of freedom and the superiority of the lesser light over the great darkness. We inspire the small but free across the globe to fight to the end against great evil—and this fact cannot be overlooked. And if we fall into the abyss, they will fall to their knees.
Our internal strength supports us; the chaos we are accustomed to calling self-organization, horizontal connections—be it Maidan or Sich, depending on the historical era—also aids us. In my opinion, this is the spirit of Europe. It seems to be alive in us now and only in us.
It would be interesting if we were the ones to restore Europe’s essence. So far, everything seems to be heading in that direction.
The author expresses a personal opinion that may not align with the editorial stance. The author is responsible for the published content in the "Opinions" section.