Ella Libanova on Societal Shifts in Ukraine
In an interview with 'Glavcom,' Ella Libanova, Director of the Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Problems at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, shared her analysis of societal changes during the full-scale war and offered a forecast for the country's territorial development after the conflict. She predicts that four distinct territorial clusters will emerge in post-war Ukraine. Her insights come at a critical time as international partners plan for the country's reconstruction.
Libanova pointed out that Ukraine's northeast will require special mechanisms to stimulate life, work, and business due to its proximity to Russia. This challenge will be central to the region's recovery and could pose a significant obstacle to its development. Conversely, the southeast will face its own set of difficulties, primarily involving the restoration of ports and ensuring safe maritime navigation.
Societal Transformations During Wartime
Beyond territorial forecasts, Libanova highlighted profound changes within Ukrainian society. She emphasized a marked growth in empathy, noting people's willingness to help one another under extreme conditions.
“I could never have imagined that our people, when evacuating from places like Kherson, would take breeding dogs from shelters—not their own pets, but dogs and cats from shelters.”
Ella Libanova
Libanova also described the spontaneous activity of volunteers who appeared during difficult moments with food and drink. “Instantly, seemingly out of nowhere, boys and girls jump out with trays, sandwiches, hot tea, hot coffee,” she added. This demonstrates how Ukrainians unite and support each other even in the most challenging times.
Libanova stressed that the war has fostered the emergence of new thinkers who, while perhaps not yet at the level of renowned figures, demonstrate deep and serious thought. These societal shifts could form the foundation for a new Ukrainian identity in the post-war period.
Ella Libanova's observations underscore the importance of understanding the social and economic challenges Ukraine faces during and after the war. The highlighted societal changes—particularly the growth of empathy and volunteerism—point to deep transformations at the individual and community levels. These factors are likely to significantly influence the country's recovery, shaping a new social structure and collective identity for Ukrainians in the future.