Our Daily War as a Window to the World: Shaping International Perception of Ukraine

Abstract

This paper presents research on Andrey Kurkov’s sequel to the diary series “Our Daily War” as a unique literary document that records not only the chronicle of war events in Ukraine but also the author’s deeply personal experiences and observations of life in the country during the war. This article analyses how the author’s view, through the prism of everyday situations and reflections, reveals the multifaceted nature of Ukrainian culture and its defining role in shaping international perceptions of Ukraine.
The study shows that “Our Daily War” goes beyond the traditional military narrative, focusing on the resilience of Ukrainian identity, manifested in the preservation and respect for traditions and a persistent desire for an ordinary life despite constant threats. Analysing Kurkov’s diary entries, the article reveals how these cultural aspects become a powerful tool for providing the European community with a completely new perception of the country, reflecting the social and political changes. It should also be noted that “Our Daily War” is regarded as an important means of communicating with the world. It has been observed that Kurkov’s diary transmits to the international community both the facts of the war and the rich culture of the Ukrainian people, their values and aspirations. This helps dismantle simplistic, stereotypical ideas about Ukraine, fostering a deeper, more objective understanding of it as a distinctive nation with its own history and culture.