The Ukrainian response to the 2022 Russian invasion has inspired a new appreciation for their country both within and beyond Ukraine. The steadfastness of Ukrainians in the defense of their country no longer surprises observers as Ukrainians have demonstrated a deep commitment to their country for more than two years.The stories presented here from the war’s third year highlight the ways in which Ukrainians have explored the meaning of their country and culture through the arts; and the manner in which the arts and their creators have empowered Ukrainians to confront the Russian invaders. They represent an extension of the artistic efforts during the war’s first and second years—chronicled in The Arts of War: Ukrainian Artists Confront Russia. Year One, and Year Two—to bolster Ukraine’s war efforts.

Dr Blair A. Ruble is a Washington-based writer. He was a Distinguished Fellow at the Wilson Center in Washington, DC prior to April 2025. Educated at the University of North Carolina and the University of Toronto, where he received his PhD in Political Science, he is the author of eight book-length works, including The Arts of War: Ukrainian Artists Confront Russia, Year One; and Year Two.