Independence’s Counterparts in the Modern Russian-Ukrainian War

Abstract

The research goal is to outline the various aspects of the behavior of independence’s counterparts in modern Russian-Ukrainian war. In particular, it is noted that this war is characterized as a hybrid one. It is aimed not only at the physical, but also at the informational space. It is characterized by a sufficient blurring of the line between peace and war; masking goals and actions,  etc.

The empirical component of the article is based on the results of the projects "In Memory of Lesya Kyzyk Research Project in Oral History: Ukrainian Women in the Military Conflict in Eastern Ukraine (2014-2017)" and " Independence’s counterparts" (April-June 2021). Qualitative research methods (semi-structured biographical interviews) used in both projects made it possible to document the events taking place in modern Ukraine based on personal memories of combatants and to analyze some aspects of their behaviour.

The authors' attention is focused on the importance of 30-year-olds in volunteer units in this war. The authors also paid attention to the peculiarities of the adaptation of servicemen after demobilization. It is noted that the social adaptation of servicemen to civilian life is a complex process of not only physical, but also the "psychological return" of combatants from the war, associated with a number of aspects.

Based on the data of empirical sociological studies, the authors have come to the conclusion that the independence’s counterparts are people of free will, whose consciousness is formed under the conditions of an independent Ukrainian state; their patriotism and desire for freedom have a real embodiment in their behaviour.