Why I’m in Ukraine

Isaac & Zhanna in the Carpathian Mountains

“Why are you in Ukraine?” is something that I get asked often whenever people hear about the work I’m involved in.

The response is no surprise. It’s rare to find Chinese Canadians who would willingly go live in Ukraine and get involved in charity work.

And my response to the question?

Usually, I stare blankly into space as I try to put my thoughts together and calculate how much I should bother explaining.

The thing is, it’s a complex answer. One that ranges from geopolitics, game theory, economics, a bit of spirituality, and some Malthussian-style doomsday collapse thrown into the mix.

So, for everybody who asks me why I’m in Ukraine and anybody interested in investing their energy into understanding, this article is for you. Why is Isaac, the Chinese-Canadian dude, running a charity in wartime Ukraine?

Unlikely Choices: My Background in Ukraine

My name is Isaac, and I am the co-founder of Bird of Light Ukraine, a charity that has been operating since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. Together with my partner Zhanna, our small but dedicated team has distributed around $5.5 million USD in aid across the country, undertaking significant projects. These range from providing a month’s worth of food and hygiene supplies to over 90,000 individuals, delivering nine ambulances, establishing 15 community centers, supplying over a hundred drones, and much more. A lot of aid was provided, and a lot of work was put in from our small team.

Ukraine & Ideological Battlegrounds Throughout History

And so it begs the question, why involve myself so much in a nation with which I have no relation?

Throughout history, we've seen periods where opposing ideologies clash on a grand scale, leaving an indelible mark on civilization. Past eras were defined by battles such as Capitalism vs. Communism during the Cold War or Fascism vs. Liberty in World War II. This also goes beyond physical conflicts, as we saw the battle between Tradition and Reason during the Age of Enlightenment.

Each era is marked by a massive shift in how we understand and interact as a species.

Current Ideological Warfare: Authoritarianism vs. Liberal Democracy

Now, the ideological tug-of-war between Authoritarianism and Liberal Democracy is being played out, most conspicuously in Ukraine, but also subtly within society through aggressive propaganda and extremist right-wing conservative groups.

In the perceived weakness of the Western liberal democracies, Putin attempted to push his agenda, believing that Western nations would not respond to an invasion of Ukraine. I don’t blame him either. The West failed to punish Putin following the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and similarly, the West looked weaker than ever following the rise of Donald Trump and the geopolitical chaos that followed.

The Global Stakes of the Ukrainian Conflict

This conflict has far-reaching implications; it serves as a proxy war between the governing philosophies of the world. A defeat for Ukraine would send a damaging signal: that territorial invasion is tolerable and that the Western powers are indifferent to global injustices unless their interests are directly affected.

Conversely, should Russia fail, the ripple effect would significantly weaken the global infrastructure of authoritarian regimes. China would be left as the principal authoritarian power, and many minor dictators would lose crucial support. This would also strike a blow to extreme right-wing movements gaining traction in the West.

The significance of this war cannot be understated. Though it is fought on the ground with Ukrainian lives, the outcome will have long-term global ramifications. This understanding keeps Western nations steadfast in their support, aware of the war’s geopolitical, economic, and ideological implications.

The frontline today is Ukraine. The frontline tomorrow could be Kazakhstan, Georgia, Moldova, and Taiwan.

A Glimpse into the Future: The Aftermath of Ideological Conflict

But what comes after the war between Authoritarianism and Liberal Democracy?

What truly motivates my work in Ukraine is not just the immediate conflict but what comes after it. I see Ukraine emerging from this war as a beacon for liberal democratic values—a lesson to other democratic nations that have become complacent amid rising internal authoritarian threats.

We can't afford to take liberty and democracy for granted, treating them as expendable for short-term gains. Such compromises only pave the way for further erosions of integrity. It's a slippery slope that undermines the very foundations of democratic society.

I am convinced that Ukraine's present ordeal can serve as a crucible, forging a nation unyielding in its principles and integrity. The suffering endured now will yield a Ukraine unwavering in its commitment to liberty, unwilling to trade freedoms for transient geopolitical and personal advantages.

The Need for Unyielding Leadership in the 21st Century

The 21st century and beyond will demand a new kind of international leadership, one founded on unyielding resolve for long-term survival. As we face dwindling resources and a looming climate crisis, we cannot afford leaders who are swayed by immediate interests. The next monumental challenge for humanity will be a battle against our own short-sightedness as we strive to preserve the planet’s habitability amid unsustainable consumption.

It’s the only way to escape the prisoner’s dilemma of our species. We must become willing to prioritize principles over selfishness. I believe that it’s from this ethical foundation that we can emerge from our own self-destruction.

And that is why I am in Ukraine.