Three Years of We Have Guests

Three years on from the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is a war that is constantly redefining our understanding of war and conflict, re-writing the concepts we learned in school textbooks surrounding what war is like and how it is navigated. We are living history. It has drawn attention to many issues facing Ukraine, Europe and indeed the world, restructuring alliances, and exposing characters. At the time of writing this, it has just been the main catalyst in Europe’s decision to move away from the US and the White House. It is very easy to get hung up on the political aspects, but what about the humanistic aspects? That is what We Have Guests was always designed to be. A platform for Ukrainians to share their humanity.

Evolution has led to humanity developing principles, and what we have seen on both local and global scale is that Ukrainians will defend their principles to the last man. When stood face to face with bullies and tyrants, Ukrainians will not budge, cave, or indeed surrender. This is happening on both the political minefields, and the blood-soaked battlefields. In my opinion, these deep-rooted principles are sourced from their deep understanding of their collective Ukrainian identity. Maybe this is something that the US is solely missing at the moment? Nonetheless, this deeply rooted source seems to be present in every single Ukrainian I have met with since the start of the war, and it has not once been lost. Of course there are good days and bad days. Days of hope and days of loss. Days when it feels like they cannot go on. But the principles never waver.

I believe that we are a few phases away from the end now, and the almost re-unification of Europe as a community indicates the next crucial phase. But in terms of the Ukrainian community in the UK, they are desperate to go home. Craving the opportunity to rebuild their country. But unwavering in their morals and principles, standing up to what they believe in, and not uprooted in the face of US & Russian tyranny and bullying. They know their worth.

Just like the war, We Have Guests is entering a new phase as well. So please stay tuned for what’s next to come. Thank you for reading this short extract and please do not give up on Ukraine.

Slava Ukraini, Heroyam Slava. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the Heroes.