Philosophical Gathering in Rivne
On September 19, 2026, a philosophical event took place in Rivne, focusing on the theme "What Does Resilience Mean: Preserving Ourselves and Our Ability to Act Together," featuring scholars from the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. The discussion was led by political scientist Yevhen Hlibovytskyi. Topics explored included resilience, national unity, linguistic and religious divisions in Ukraine, and attitudes toward the enemy during the conflict with Russia. The participants examined historical examples such as the work of Halshka Hulevychivna alongside Ukraine's current challenges.
Key Discussion Points
The philosophers presented two core interpretations of resilience: the capacity for sustained endurance and the ability to practice self-discipline. They emphasized that defeat in the war with Russia would spell "the end of Ukraine and death for most Ukrainians." The consensus was that Ukrainians are not fearful of the future, viewing it as the "center of gravity" for their resolve. National unity, they argued, rests on tolerance for diversity—embracing different views and languages.
The issue of the Russian language and Russian-speaking Ukrainians was identified as a significant stumbling block. The participants upheld the perspective that "where the Russian language is present, so is Russia." The discussion also addressed Ukraine’s religious landscape, which includes the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, as well as gnostic and atheist groups. They acknowledged that Ukraine’s resilience has limits, recognizing that "strength is not infinite."
The enemy was described as an "almost mythical, fatal, and insurmountable force in its cruelty." At the same time, it was noted that 60% of Russia’s population supports ending the war and initiating negotiations, with 30% having opposed the conflict from the beginning. This amounts to roughly 45 million people, over 10 million of whom have Ukrainian heritage.
The foundational idea underpinning Ukraine’s resilience was defined as the "principle of Dignity and Freedom." The philosophers stressed the importance of distinguishing between the concepts of 'nation' and 'people,' highlighting that in the early weeks of March 2022, Ukrainians experienced the birth of a nation—united regardless of language or faith. The event featured photos, videos, and historical illustrations underscoring the significance of the themes discussed.
The Rivne gathering served as a vital forum to explore the essential elements of Ukraine’s national resilience and unity during ongoing conflict with Russia. Participants emphasized that embracing societal diversity and recognizing existing threats are crucial for sustaining strength. This dialogue offers a valuable foundation for future research and conversations about national identity and internal cohesion in Ukraine.
The discussion on resilience at the recent philosophical gathering highlights not only Ukraine's internal challenges but also its broader strategies in the face of external threats. As the nation grapples with the ongoing conflict, understanding cognitive resilience and diplomatic initiatives becomes increasingly vital. These efforts are crucial in countering the pervasive disinformation campaigns aimed at undermining national unity.