Welcome to this edition of What about Ukraine?, a newsletter that helps you keep updated about what has been said recently about Ukraine in Ukraine, and in the international media.

Entering a new year is often an opportunity to take stock of the past one. In a touching and personal text, Ukrainian author Vira Baldyniuk describes her emotional reaction to 2023, and what she takes from it. This is our Ukrainian piece of the week (right below) and we recommend you put aside a moment to read it: it's unique, insightful and heartbreaking.

From the Bulgarian, Hungarian, French and Spanish media we hear in this edition that foreign volunteers who fight against Russia in the Ukrainian army are a fascinating phenomenon. Take Hungarian-Ukrainian professor Fedir Shandor who gave online lessons to his students from the trenches, and answers newspaper Jelen’s questions, or one French fighter who anonymously explains to Le Nouvel Observateur that he decided to fight along with Ukrainian soldiers because he "felt a certain weariness in France", and "was fed up with the mentality, [where people were] always complaining."

This week you also learn about two pro-Russian gatherings planned in Italy, that officials are trying to cancel, and a debate over spelling in Germany, on whether to use the ‘Kiew’ German spelling or switch to the original Ukrainian spelling Kyiv. 

Have a good read!

Sarah-Lou Lepers
Editor of this week's edition

As Ukraine approaches the second dreadful anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, an uneasy mixture of emotions overwhelms the nation. According to a poll held by Democratic Initiatives Foundation in mid December 2023, when asked "What feelings do you have thinking of Ukraine’s future?", 61 percent of respondents said Hope. Anxiety (34 percent), optimism (31 percent), certainty (18 percent), and fear (13 percent) were next on the list. 88 percent participants in the survey stated they believed in Ukraine’s victory, although the deadline for this desirable result remains blurry.

In an intimate and subtle piece, translated by n-ost this week, columnist and literary critic Vira Baldyniuk describes a spectrum of emotions shared by her family and herself, as well as many Ukrainians inside and outside of the country by the end of 2023:

"Foreign reporters are still astonished by Ukrainians persistently continuing to live their normal lives — drinking morning coffee (the best in Europe), opening exhibitions and new bookstores, and attending premieres, where the rooms are always overcrowded. However, at a closer glance, one can notice their eyes, red from crying and constant sleep deprivation."

This column was initially published by Korydor, a Ukrainian online-media which focuses on topics of culture, education, philosophy and serves as an important platform for intellectuals eager to share ideas.

Translated by Olesia Storozhuk.

Bulgaria

Will the Bulgarian Orthodox Church distance itself from Moscow?

"The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is absolutely weightless… [and] has fallen into full dependence on Russia," comments journalist and expert on religious matters Goran Blagoev on the Bulgarian church’s approach to the issue of the independent Ukrainian church, in an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR). Bulgaria is a predominantly Orthodox country, like Romania, Moldova, Ukraine and Russia. Since 2019, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine has broken from the Moscow Patriarchate and is now an autonomous Eastern Orthodox church. "Why in the last five years has the Bulgarian Church done nothing to build contacts with the Ukrainian Church?" asks Blagoev. Possibly responding to criticism, on 6 January, the Bulgarian Patriarch Neofit declared: "God and the Holy Church bless only that army that does not attack", thus distancing himself unequivocally from Russia for the first time. (BNR)

Bulgaria has recorded its first volunteer death fighting against Russian invading forces in Ukraine, OFFNews reports. On an unspecified date around New Year's Eve, 31-year-old Svetoslav Slavkov, originally from Sofia, was killed during military operations in the Kupyansk region. Slavkov, a sympathiser of the rightwing ultra-nationalist ‘Bulgarian National Union’, had been in Ukraine for a couple of months. The same party had recently organised a fundraiser to arm him. To date, according to OFFNews, five Bulgarian citizens have fought as volunteers in defence of Ukraine, Slavkov included. (OFFNews)

"Regardless of official political ideas, colours and doctrines defended, the dividing line in Bulgaria is and remains one and only: the West against Russia," writer Diyan Bozhidarov comments on political life in Bulgaria on the pages of Sega. He adds that people of the right and left, the corrupt and champions of justice are ready for any compromise depending on their geopolitical orientation, pro-Western or pro-Russian. "This is the difficult destiny of Bulgaria: to be a buffer between two blocks of civilization. If we also keep in mind the third wheel, Turkey, it is incredibly lucky that we have lived in peace for 78 years," concludes Bozhidarov. (Sega)

France

Russia "increasing efforts" to undermine French support for Kyiv

The link between French far-right movements and the Kremlin has been exposed by an article in the Washington Post: "Russia has been increasing its efforts to undermine French support for Kyiv." This is no big surprise, according to Check News, Libération’s fact checking team, who recall investigations by Arte, Mediapart and even a report by French National Assembly last June that have warned against Russia's interference in French political life. As a reminder, Emmanuel Macron, who was facing Marine Le Pen in the final debate of the 2022 French Presidential election, told her: "You’re talking to your banker when you address Russia". (Libération)

The weekly Le Nouvel Observateur publishes a series of articles about The Volunteers, a feature article and testimonies of French who joined the Ukrainian International Legion. According to the first article, about a hundred French have fought alongside the Ukrainian army since the Russian full-scale invasion started. In a second piece, one of them explains his motivations anonymously: "I felt a certain weariness in France. I was fed up with the mentality, [where people are] always complaining." He portraits other French fighting with him in Ukraine, often "neo-nazis", but also those with an adventurous or suicidal profile. Two other testimonies are about to be published in the coming days. (Le Nouvel Observateur)

For the first time in modern history, Ukrainian Orthodox believers have celebrated Christmas on the Georgian date of 25 December, along with Catholics, instead of the Julien calendar date of 7 January, which the Moscow Patriarchate honours, in a move that further distances Ukraine’s Orthodox Church from its former links to Russia. Le Monde dedicated a photo-report to this unique event, which was also an opportunity for many to embrace ancient traditions like using Christmas stars to take part in Koliadky (traditional Christmas choir), wearing Vyshyvanka (a traditional Ukrainian shirt) and crafting didukh with wheat (a traditional Christmas decoration and symbol of fertility). (Le Monde)

Germany 

Ukraine needs "new weapons" more than "new words"

Since last week, an online debate has erupted over whether to use the spelling of "Kiew" or "Kyiv" in German. The German ambassador in Kyiv advocated for the change of spelling and shared a post from ARD correspondent Vassili Golod on X, who highlighted that "Kiew" is a transliteration from Russian (Spiegel). Nevertheless, a commentary in the conservative newspaper FAZ recommends focusing on historical awareness rather than a simple name change: "What Ukraine probably needs more urgently than new words are new weapons." (FAZ)

Former Bundeswehr general Klaus Wittmann suggests in Welt that various turns of events are possible in the Russian war against Ukraine in 2024 – from catastrophe to the victory of Kyiv. According to the author, chancellor Olaf Scholz must strategically opt to assist Ukraine with all available means in liberating the occupied territories or expelling Russian forces from the country. Germany, as one of the wealthiest countries in the EU and NATO, could help supply Ukraine in sufficient quantities if it was "politically desired and adequately prepared". This applies particularly to the long-range cruise missile Taurus, hundreds of which could be released by the German Air Force. (Welt)

There are three ways "to force Putin to his knees", writes Jan Diesteldorf, the Sueddeutsche correspondent in Brussels, who specialises on the EU's economic policy. Firstly, tightening the oil price cap by the G7 bloc and launching a complete gas embargo. Secondly, each country’s domestic enforcement of sanctions and tools to punish their violation. And thirdly, secondary sanctions implemented by the EU against the countries and companies trading sanctioned goods to Russia, which might target countries like Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. Too many loopholes and too much time has given Putin all the possibilities to adjust. "Just as water finds a way when it is stopped, so money and goods find their way into Putin's empire," comments Diesteldorf. (Süddeutsche Zeitung)

Hungary

Ukrainian Hungarian on the front line: "Ukraine has already won"

Half-Hungarian and half-Ukrainian Fedir Shandor, a professor of sociology and philosophy at the National University of Uzhhorod, volunteered for the Ukrainian army on the first day after the start of the Russian full-scale-invasion, and gave lessons to his students from the trenches via the internet. "Ukraine has already won this war. The great victory has occurred in the minds [of the people]. The people of Ukraine began to think, to exist, and to behave as a nation," says the sergeant in an interview with weekly newspaper Jelen. Sandor drew attention to soldiers in the front line who, like him, belong to the Hungarian minority in Ukraine. (Jelen)

In Europe and the USA, more and more people want to push President Volodymyr Zelensky towards negotiations, according to an analysis by the weekly newspaper Hvg. Their main argument is that to freeze the conflict until the worst-case scenario - a spectacular rise of European populists in this year’s European elections and a Trump victory - comes true (Hvg). Political scientist János I. Szirtes judges an agreement difficult to reach, because Putin does not respect international law. In his opinion the West must rather provide Ukraine with more effective weapons. (Portfolio)

Since the start of Russia’s full scale invasion, the EU has spent more to help Ukraine’s defence than the US, an analysis points out. Compared with the financial capabilities, the European sacrifice seems even greater, since the EU's GDP is barely two-thirds of the United States alone. In the last two years, EU countries committed a total of €133 billion in aid, compared with €71 billion from the US and €37 billion from all the other donors, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. (Válaszonline)

Italy

Italy due to host pro-Russian conference

On 10 January, Rome’s Parliament approved the eighth package of military aid to Ukraine, presented by the Italian minister of defence, Guido Crosetto, and already approved by the Government (Il Sole 24 Ore). Since 1 January 2024, Italy has taken over the annual presidency of G7, the intergovernmental political and economic forum. Among the priorities are Ukraine and the opposition to Russian invasion (La Repubblica). In a letter published by La Repubblica, two Ukrainian intellectuals highlight how the Italian presidency could help Ukraine, by working on the confiscation process of the financial resources of the Russian Central Bank. (La Repubblica)

Two pro-Russian conferences have been planned on 20 and 27 February in the cities of Modena and Lucca, hosting prominent Italian Russian sympathisers, Russian Federation authorities and Alexandr Dugin, a political theorist of Vladimir Putin. "Italy once again supports Russian propaganda," explains a piece by Wired. The Modena conference is titled ‘Mariupol, rebirth after the war’, referring to a "symbol of the popular uprising in the Donbass against the Kyiv junta." The events are presented using the lexicon of anti-Ukrainian propaganda, Wired explains: they consider Mariupol as part of Russia, and speak of "the non-existent 2014 Donbass ‘popular uprising’ [by pro-Russians] and the theoretical ‘Bandera occupation’ [by Ukrainians], used to justify [Russia’s] large-scale invasion of 2022". (Wired) But the mayor of Modena is about to cancel the availability of a public room to the conference. (La Stampa)

What is happening to the ordinary people living in a country at war for almost two years now? In a podcast by Il Post, Ukrainian political analyst and researcher Kateryna Zarembo explains that every Ukrainian in this war "has lost something", and "at least the perception of security", because there is no safe place in the country. Zarembo talks about schools, which work differently all over the country, and about the determination of Ukrainians to continue their daily life, otherwise it would not be possible to keep living in a country at war. (Il Post)

Spain

Starting the year on "an ammunition diet"

Far from eating hearty meals, receiving gifts and hugging families, Ukrainian soldiers on the eastern front have spent Christmas and New Year on an "ammunition diet". This is what María Sahuquillo, El Pais special envoy, saw in the trenches of Avdiivka, the city that Russia has been trying to assault for months, and which has lost hundreds of armoured vehicles (El País). The journalist was also embedded on the Bakhmut front with a drone brigade. These aircraft will be key to fighting the war in 2024, according to experts. (El País)

Fundamental issues for Ukrainians in the new year are: Putin's real invasion plans, the future and the economic aid of the EU, the US Republican Party's "betrayal" of Ukraine, and the Russian evasion of sanctions to manufacture weapons, as is the case with some of the components produced by Spanish companies. This is what journalist Jorge Raya talks about with Borja Lasheras, the main Spanish analyst on Ukraine, in  'El Foco', a podcast made by El Español. (El Español)

In the first week of January, Spain announced the shipment of two new armoured vehicles to Ukraine, renovated for use as medical ambulances (EFE). This may be little aid in material terms, but contrasts with the training of many Ukrainian soldiers in Spanish territory in different disciplines such as tanks, anti-aircraft missiles, demining, assault tactics and cyber defence, among many others. By the end of 2023, it was estimated that 2,000 members of the Ukrainian armed forces would be trained in Spain (although data from the Spanish Ministry of Defence puts this close to 3,500). This figure makes Spain "the third largest European contributor to the training of Ukrainian personnel". (La Razón)

The Europe-Ukraine Desk curated this newsletter. This week's edition has been composed by our team all over Europe: Marika Ikonomu, Kornelia Kiss, Katarina Kukla, Sarah Lou Lepers, Oksana Mamchenkova, Francesco Martino, Antonina Rybka and Fermin Torrano.
Michael Bird was our proofreader. 

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