Oksana Stomina on Survival and Ukraine’s Future
Poet and civic activist Oksana Stomina survived the siege of Mariupol, while her husband, a Ukrainian defender, spent more than four years in Russian captivity. In an interview with Kyiv Post, she speaks about survival, Ukrainian resilience, countering Russian propaganda, bringing prisoners home, and Ukraine’s future.
Oksana Stomina, a poet, writer, and civic activist from Mariupol, Ukraine, is a voice of resilience during Russia's full-scale invasion. Born in Mariupol in the early 1970s, she trained as a mathematician, primary school teacher, and psychologist. During the early days of the war, she remained in the besieged city, working at a volunteer center and keeping a diary that has been translated into multiple languages. After the war, she and her daughter moved to Kyiv, where she continues her activism and literary work.
Stomina emphasizes that war is a crime and that those who start wars are criminals. She believes it is crucial to share accounts of the war's experiences, both the good and the bad, to counter Russian propaganda and educate others about the realities of war. She stresses the importance of survival skills and being prepared for crises, as well as fostering a strong Ukrainian spirit and love for one's country.
When confronted with skepticism about Ukrainian testimony regarding Russian crimes, Stomina encourages engaging with such individuals and presenting specific stories and evidence to build credibility. She believes that fighting disinformation is a shared responsibility, not solely the state's, and urges Ukrainians abroad to spread the truth and inspire others with the strength of the Ukrainian spirit.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
