To conclude Friday’s session of the 2025 Ukrainian Studies Conference “Revolutions of Hope: Resilience and Recovery in Ukraine,” attendees had the opportunity to hear from Serhii Plokhy, author and professor of Ukrainian history at Harvard University. Titled “The Power of Hope: The Russo-Ukrainian War Through the Eyes of a Historian,” his presentation illuminated hope, resilience, and the miraculous in Ukraine. Before Russia’s invasion in 2022, there was a hope that the amassing of troops would not convert into open aggression. Hope returned, despite its betrayal, as Ukraine withstood the invasion. The country’s resilience surpassed the expectations of both Moscow and Washington, revealing the miracle of Ukraine’s endurance. The fact that the Ukrainian resistance broke the calculations of global powers should inspire us all. In these times where democratic recourse feels inadequate or when small efforts seem pointless against national and global movements of hatred, ignorance, and violence, Ukraine’s perseverance suggests that the good fight always makes room for miracles.
Professor Plokhy examined the Ukrainian workers’ defiance against the Russian occupation of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant as an example of finding hope against hope (spes contra spem). Although the present-day situation now appears more uncertain than ever, with threats of nuclear escalation and disappearing alliances, Professor Plokhy found that a miracle resides in how the Ukrainian captives at the power plant combated and overcame their subjection.
The war went nuclear the day Russia attacked and occupied the power plant. Without a protocol to follow or outside communication, the Ukrainian workers were left to comply or resist on their own accord. They navigated the impossible terrain of what constituted treason or loyalty when forced to decide whether to keep the plant running or let it fail. Using their specialized knowledge, they elected to continue working while using the threat of the plant’s failure as leverage to resist Russian demands. This helped defend their liberties and maintain their dignity during their isolation at the rear of the invasion.
Although cooperation could be considered a betrayal of their country, these workers demonstrated resilience and hope against hope. Much like Ukraine at large, their miracle manifested in their lasting endurance. Upon being liberated months later by Ukrainian forces, President Zelensky honored the captives, thus relieving their fears of being accused of betraying their country. Their experience embodies the message that miracles are fostered through hope and resilience.
Professor Plokhy concluded with the call to never underestimate our capacity to achieve goals; he implored the audience to never lose hope, stay motivated, and recognize that miracles do happen. Of course, Ukraine’s miraculous endurance also calls us to action. Their extra time against Russia’s overwhelming forces has given us the opportunity to help. If we reject this chance, then we deny the miracle. So let us follow Ukraine’s example and find how our seemingly inadequate abilities and voices can make miracles happen.