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.