Ukrainian Artist: We Sacrifice to Protect Global Freedom

When Ukrainian musician and actress Ruslana Khazipova speaks about her country's four-year war with Russia, she refuses the label of victim. Instead, she describes Ukrainians as willing protectors of freedom and democracy across the globe.

Khazipova, a member of the celebrated arts collective Dakh Daughters, sat down with France 24 to discuss how the Russian invasion has shaped Ukrainian identity. Her words carry the weight of a nation that has endured unimaginable hardship yet continues to stand firm.

"We are not victims," she emphasized during the interview marking the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. "We sacrifice our lives to protect freedom and democracy all over the world."

This reframing matters deeply. Rather than accepting a narrative of suffering imposed by aggression, Khazipova and countless Ukrainians have chosen to see their resistance as active, purposeful, and meaningful beyond their borders.

The arts collective Dakh Daughters has become known for blending traditional Ukrainian music with punk rock energy, creating performances that celebrate cultural identity while defying attempts to erase it. Throughout the war, artists like Khazipova have used their platforms to counter Kremlin propaganda and preserve Ukrainian heritage.

Her perspective offers insight into the psychological resilience that has sustained Ukraine through four years of conflict. By viewing their struggle as protection of universal values rather than mere survival, Ukrainians have found strength and continued international solidarity.

Why This Inspires

Khazipova's words remind us that how we frame our challenges shapes our ability to endure them. Her refusal to accept victimhood, even in the face of genuine aggression, demonstrates the power of choosing purpose over despair.

This mindset has practical effects too. When people see their struggles as contributing to something larger than themselves, they find reserves of strength they didn't know they possessed. Khazipova and her fellow artists continue creating, performing, and speaking out, turning cultural expression into an act of resistance and hope.

Her message resonates beyond Ukraine's borders, offering a template for anyone facing overwhelming odds. Finding meaning in hardship doesn't diminish the pain, but it can transform suffering into something that serves a greater good.

Four years on, Ukraine continues to stand, and voices like Khazipova's ensure the world understands why.