Ukraine is going through one of the most difficult periods in its modern history. The daily news is filled with reports of war, loss, economic hardship, problems in education, medicine, and defense. It is difficult to find at least one sphere that has not experienced serious upheavals in recent years. Negative events and the background of the information space create a sense of hopelessness, and many people begin to think that the country is sinking into a complete crisis with no prospects for improvement. But is everything really so bad? Is there anything positive about this background? Were there achievements in Ukraine even in the darkest times?
Achievements of Ukraine in recent years
Despite large-scale challenges, Ukraine not only continues to resist aggression, but also takes significant steps forward in many areas. One of the most important achievements is the adaptation of the defense sector to modern standards. The Ukrainian army has become one of the most capable in Europe, introducing new technologies, tactics and using modern Western weapons.
The domestic defense complex has established the production of drones, armored vehicles and artillery systems, which makes it possible to partially compensate for the shortage of supplies from abroad. For example, the Ukrainian company “Roboneers” has developed remote-controlled combat modules, such as “ShaBlya”, which are actively used on the front lines. These systems help Ukrainian forces establish defensive lines and destroy enemy targets, demonstrating effectiveness in combat conditions. In addition, Ukraine is actively developing a partnership with NATO countries, which provides prospects for further strengthening of defense capabilities.
In the economy, despite the loss, there are also positive signals. The agro-industrial sector has adapted to new realities, and Ukrainian exporters are finding alternative ways of supply, in particular through the Danube ports. Integration with the European Union continues, new opportunities for business and investment attraction are opening up. At the same time, the country was able to maintain financial stability: despite all the challenges, the hryvnia exchange rate did not suffer a catastrophic fall, social benefits and pensions are paid, and the banking system functions without significant shocks.
The field of education has also shown the ability to adapt. During the war, the education system changed, distance education was introduced, and many universities and schools established cooperation with foreign partners. Ukrainian students and scientists receive grants and opportunities to study in leading European institutions, which increases the level of education and helps the integration of Ukraine into the international educational space. National identity has also significantly strengthened: the number of students who choose to study in the Ukrainian language is constantly growing, and Ukrainian culture is receiving a new impetus for development.
It is impossible not to mention the achievements in medicine. Despite the burden on the health care system, its reform continues. Ukrainian doctors receive new equipment, access to modern technologies and international exchange programs. The war also gave impetus to the development of rehabilitative medicine, particularly for military and civilian casualties of hostilities. New rehabilitation centers are being built, and specialists are given the opportunity to learn the best global practices.
The technology sector also continues to grow even in difficult conditions. Ukrainian IT companies remain competitive on the international market, and startups receive support from Western partners. The launch of the Diya mobile application was a revolutionary step in the digitalization of public services, and this system continues to expand its capabilities. Projects in the field of artificial intelligence, cyber security and military technologies are developing in Ukraine, which makes the country one of the key players in the field of digital security.
In addition, social cohesion and the volunteer movement became unprecedented. Ukrainians continue to support the army, help displaced people, and develop humanitarian initiatives. The volunteer movement has become so powerful that it can be considered an integral part of national security. People do not just collect funds for drones or cars for the front, but also organize large-scale social projects, helping the most vulnerable sections of the population.
Achievements of Ukraine in science
Ukrainian science is currently undergoing a test that it has not known in its entire history. Laboratories under fire, scientists forced to evacuate, research bases built over the years destroyed – the war threatened the very existence of scientific activity. However, even in such conditions, Ukrainian scientists do not simply survive, but create breakthrough developments that change reality – both at the front and in civilian life.
Despite the destruction of the laboratories of the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology, Ukrainian physicists continue to work on new-generation superconductors that can be used in the energy and defense sectors. Kyiv chemists in the basements work on materials for the protection of military and civilians, in particular, they create unique fire-resistant composites that are not inferior to the best samples in the world. Odessa scientists worked on creating solar panels with record efficiency, which attracted the attention of European investors.
Achievements in medicine and biotechnology are no less important. For example, a team of Lviv scientists developed an innovative method of 3D printing of bone tissue, which allows for faster operations to restore damaged bones. And in Kyiv, research is ongoing into new methods of treating diabetes, which can change the approach to combating this disease. In addition, Ukrainian pharmaceutical companies, despite the challenges of the war, continue to invest in production and scientific developments. These investments, amounting to hundreds of millions of hryvnias, contribute to the development of a critically important industry in both wartime and peacetime.
Also, Ukrainian astronomers continue to discover new celestial bodies. In particular, a new near-Earth asteroid has recently been identified, which has sparked the interest of NASA and other international space agencies.
Ukrainian IT specialists and engineers are developing aerial reconnaissance systems capable of working even in the most difficult conditions of radio-electronic warfare. It was the Ukrainian team that created the software that allows you to intercept enemy drones and use them against the occupiers. Lviv biotechnologists are developing innovative methods of treating burns based on tissue engineering, which are already helping military and injured civilians.
Ukrainian scientists have also achieved significant success in the development of laser technologies for defense needs. In particular, the “Trident” laser weapon system was created, capable of shooting down air targets at an altitude of more than 2 kilometers. This development emphasizes the high level of innovative potential of Ukraine in the military sphere.
In the city of Uzhgorod, which remains relatively safe, Ukrainian scientists are implementing a large-scale project to create the country’s largest bank of genetic data. They have already collected DNA samples from 10,000 Ukrainians to study diseases such as type 1 diabetes, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian science in the face of conflict.
So, in modern realities, Ukrainian science not only maintains its positions, but also makes a contribution that can determine the technological future. Scientists work without laboratories, without stable funding, but with a clear understanding: their developments today are another step towards victory and reconstruction of the country. Ukrainian scientists traditionally make a significant contribution to world science, and recent years have become another confirmation of this.
Achievements in sports and the Paralympic movement
Ukraine has repeatedly proven that even in the most difficult times, its athletes and Paralympians can achieve outstanding results. Despite the difficult training conditions and the lack of many opportunities that their rivals had, Ukrainian athletes demonstrated an incredible will to win. The 2024 Olympic Games, which took place in Paris, became another test for Ukrainian sports in the conditions of war and instability. Despite all the difficulties, the national team performed well, taking 22nd place in the overall medal tally. Ukrainian athletes won 12 medals: 3 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze.
The first gold award for Ukraine was won by fencers Olga Kharlan, Alina Komaschuk, Olena Kravatska and Yulia Bakastova. In the team saber, the Ukrainian women confidently passed the tournament grid, and in the final they defeated a strong team from South Korea. For Harlan, this medal was another confirmation of her status as one of the best fencers in the world.
Athlete Yaroslava Maguchih brought the next gold to the national team’s coffers. In the high jump, she demonstrated her maximum, overcoming the bar at a height of 2 meters. Her victory became symbolic: despite all the difficulties and psychological pressure, the Ukrainian confirmed her status as the leader of world athletics.
Boxer Oleksandr Khizhnyak presented the third Olympic gold to Ukraine in the weight category up to 80 kg. In the final, the Ukrainian met with the representative of Kazakhstan and managed to prove his superiority by winning. This gold became especially important, since Ukrainian boxing traditionally has a strong position on the world stage.
In 2024, the world boxing community started talking about Ukraine again thanks to Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian boxer became the absolute champion in the heavyweight division, defeating Tyson Fury in a match that went down in history. The fight between Usyk and Fury has become one of the most anticipated in world boxing. The Ukrainian approached him as the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO champion, while Fury held the WBC title. The match turned out to be intense, but Usyk demonstrated exceptional technique, speed and strategic thinking. His decision victory made him the first outright heavyweight champion in decades.
This victory was not only sporting, but also symbolic. Usyk, who always emphasizes his Ukrainian identity, once again demonstrated to the world that Ukraine is a country of champions. His path to the title proved that thanks to hard work, discipline and faith in one’s abilities one can reach the highest peaks.
Ukraine is traditionally one of the strongest Paralympic countries. Our national team completed its performances at its fifteenth Paralympic Games. Paris-2024 was the eighth summer Paralympics for the national team, as well as seven winter games. From the moment of their debut, Ukrainian Paralympians did not just participate in competitions, but became symbols of strength of spirit and sportsmanship, choosing places among the best.
Over the entire history of its performances at the Paralympic Games, Ukraine won 695 medals, of which 554 were won at the summer tournaments, and 141 at the winter ones. In terms of the number of awards, the Ukrainian team has long established itself among the leaders of the world Paralympic movement. In particular, our athletes won 209 gold, 241 silver and 245 bronze awards. The absolute leader among sports for Ukraine remains swimming, which accounts for the most prize places — 283. It was the representatives of this sport who were able to change the balance of forces in the ranking of the country’s most decorated Paralympians after Paris-2024.
Before the start of the competition in the French capital, the first place in terms of the total number of awards was shared by four Ukrainian athletes — Maksym Krypak, Maksym Veraksa, Viktor Smirnov and Olena Hakobyan, each of whom had 15 medals. However, after the performances in Paris, the rating changed: two swimmers – Maksym Veraksa and Yevhenii Bogodayko, who have 16 awards each, took first place. At the same time, Veraxa needed five Paralympics to achieve this figure. In Paris-2024, he won another medal, winning silver in the 100-meter freestyle. Bogodaiko, in turn, achieved this result in four Paralympics, and in Paris he became a multi-medalist, winning two bronze medals.
Thus, the top 5 most decorated paralympians of Ukraine today look like this:
– Maxim Veraksa (swimming, 2008-2024) — 16 medals (8 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze)
– Yevhenii Bogodayko (swimming, 2012-2024) — 16 medals (6+5+5)
– Maxim Krypak (swimming, 2016-2020) — 15 medals (10+4+1)
– Viktor Smirnov (swimming, 2004-2020) — 15 medals (6+4+5)
– Olena Hakopyan (swimming, 1996-2008, biathlon and cross-country skiing, 1998) — 15 medals (1+8+6).
The achievements of Ukrainian Paralympians are not just victories in sports, but proof that even in the most difficult conditions, our athletes continue to represent the country worthily on the international stage. They not only win medals, but also change the world’s attitude to Paralympic sports, demonstrating an indomitable spirit, which is a true symbol of Ukraine.
How Ukrainians have changed
The war changed all Ukrainians, forced them to reassess life values, strengthened national identity and encouraged unity. These changes occurred in all spheres of life – from social relations to attitudes to work and education. Despite the tragedy, Ukrainians became stronger, more responsible, learned to quickly adapt to challenges and developed qualities that will help build the country after victory.
One of the main changes was the increase in the level of self-organization and volunteerism. Until 2022, the majority of Ukrainians perceived the assistance of the army as a duty of the state, but the war showed that victory is possible only with joint efforts. Over the years, the volunteer movement has turned into a huge force. People are collecting funds for drones, cars for the front, organizing the logistics of humanitarian aid, evacuating the wounded, repairing houses after shelling. Ukrainians have become more conscious citizens. If previously political activism was often limited to elections, now people are more actively monitoring the power and monitoring abuses.
The war also changed attitudes towards education and self-development. Many Ukrainians began to learn new professions, as old fields disappeared or became unprofitable. The popularity of online courses, training programs in IT, language courses has increased many times. For example, thousands of people gained new knowledge thanks to the “Prometheus” and “Coursera” platforms adapted for Ukrainians. In addition, technical specialties related to defense technologies, cyber security, and programming are in great demand.
National identity has strengthened significantly. If before the war, part of the citizens used the Russian language in everyday life, now there is a mass transition to Ukrainian. People revise their habits, are interested in history, read books by Ukrainian authors. A cultural renaissance is being observed – publishing houses record record demand for Ukrainian-language literature, and Ukrainian music and cinema receive international recognition.
The war also hardened Ukrainians physically and morally. The number of people who started playing sports has increased, because physical training is not only health, but also readiness for possible challenges. In particular, popular sports initiatives have appeared, such as charity marathons, fundraising for the army through sports competitions. The spirit of resilience was also manifested in the fact that Ukrainians have become less prone to panic and stress, are better oriented in crisis situations, and quickly react to danger.
Another important change is the increase in support for veterans and people with disabilities. If earlier society often neglected the problems of wounded soldiers, now a new culture of support is being formed: rehabilitation centers are opening, public and private assistance programs are developing. Public initiatives, such as “Druh” or “Veteran Hub”, work to make the return of military personnel to peaceful life more comfortable.
The majority of Ukrainians became united – helping each other, supporting each other in the most difficult situations became the norm. The war showed that the majority of Ukrainians do not leave their own: whether it is helping refugees, supporting the families of the dead, collecting funds for victims of rocket attacks. This creates a new model of society – more responsive, responsible, capable of quick action in crisis situations.
So, despite all the trials, the war made Ukrainians stronger.
The war brought many challenges, but it also provided the impetus for changes that in peacetime could last for decades. There are gains, and they are significant – even if they are not always visible in the flow of negative news. It is important not only to focus on problems, but also to see those achievements that shape the future of the country. There are still many challenges ahead, but what has already been done gives reason for cautious optimism. Ukraine fights – and wins not only on the battlefield, but also in all spheres of life.
Despite the war, economic difficulties and instability, Ukrainians have become stronger. They continue to show the world their strength, intelligence and endurance. The war showed that Ukrainians can not only fight, but also change themselves and their country. The traits they have developed in recent years will become the basis for the reconstruction of Ukraine in the post-war period. It will be a different state – with more active citizens and a high level of responsibility for their future.
We expect peace, and Ukraine will continue to develop, using the experience gained in the most difficult times. As Winston Churchill said: “Dark times do not last forever, and they are always followed by dawn.” Ukrainians have already shown the world their ability to endure, and now they have every chance to build a country they can be proud of.
Oksana Ishchenko
