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The war in Ukraine has created a deep sense of hopelessness, and an increasing number of young people trying to leave the country. A strong will to defend the nation and rebuild it collides with personal trauma and loss. Are young people free to envision a better future? Where do they find hope, and what does democracy mean to a generation that has witnessed its fragility?
The discussion will feature journalist Justas Stasevskij, Victoria Trofimova, leader of a Ukrainian YMCA, and young activist Anastasiia Luzhna.
The programme will be held in English. It can be followed at the festival’s Speaker’s Stage at Bio Rex or via livestream on the festival’s website.
Justas Stasevskij
Justas Stasevskij specialises in reporting on Eastern Europe and has worked as a journalist for Yle in both Poland and Ukraine. Finnish-Ukrainian Stasevskij was awarded the European of the Year award in 2025. His journalism is characterised by a balance between geopolitical analysis and human-centered stories.
Victoria Trofimova
Victoria Trofimova is the Secretary General of the Ukrainian YMCA and has served in various roles within the non-governmental organisation for over a decade. She considers the organisation’s most important task to be strengthening the agency of young people during the war and in the reconstruction of the country.
Anastasiia Luzhna
Anastasiia Luzhna is a YMCA volunteer who has spent the last year working as a youth coordinator for the Danish-Ukrainian Voices of Defenders project. The project supports young activists and veterans in processing their war experiences and rediscovering their place in society.
It is very difficult to reflect on democracy with young people. How can we discuss, for example, the resolution on Youth, Peace and Security when we have neither peace nor security? – Victoria Trofimova
