Born in the twilight of the Soviet Empire, this generation of Ukrainians has endured a lifetime of challenges. They navigated the economic turmoil of the 90s, confronted would-be dictators in mass protests and revolutions, and have been fighting Russian invaders since 2014. These experiences have forged them into resilient, innovative, and brave individuals. They became real fighters.

In this book, children of the tumultuous Soviet 80s and chaotic Ukrainian 90s, now the backbone of Ukrainian society, share their stories of the war and beyond. A couple of university professors bring humanitarian aid to frontline communities. A lawyer left her job to care for hundreds of war-affected dogs under the daily shelling. A soldier found solace in a poetry book left in the underground hell of Azovstal. Another soldier fights this war on his own doorstep, witnessing the destruction of the plant he has dedicated his life to. A Ukrainian poet found her powerful voice after fleeing her home in the East of Ukraine in 2014 when the war was still far away for most of other people. These stories, though dramatic and sometimes incredible, are just a part of these people's lives, filled with struggle, sorrow, love, beauty, and hope.

Fighters is the second book in the Stories from Ukraine series, a collection of narrative nonfiction. Each story combines the unique and powerful voices of the individuals sharing their experiences with those of professional authors who have documented these stories and reflected on them through their own lens of life and war in Ukraine. The diverse backgrounds and regional origins of both the heroes and authors create a captivating kaleidoscope of circumstances and perspectives.

Discover the stories of a generation of fighters who have refused to let anyone deprive them of their country.