In today’s realities, when Ukraine has been resisting full-scale aggression for more than three years, issues of national security and internal cohesion are of paramount importance. This is not only a confrontation at the front, but also a constant struggle for the consciousness of society, especially young people. This was emphasized by Oleksandr Gingizov, coordinator of the Zhytomyr branch of the Ukrainian Security Club (USC), during the Club’s offsite meeting on June 5 in Zhytomyr.
Oleksandr Gingizov, who has combat experience and spent 2.5 years on the front line, returned for health reasons and drew attention to a number of problems that affect not only Zhytomyr region but the entire country. He noted the dangerous neighborhood with Belarus, which is a satellite of Russia, as well as internal challenges related to mobilization, problems with the supply of the Armed Forces and support for the military, veterans and families of the fallen.
“Some issues, unfortunately, divide society,” Gingizov stated. In his opinion, one of the main tasks of the Civil-Military Movement is to consolidate and preserve the unity of society. “We have to direct maximum efforts and desire to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” the veteran emphasized. He reminded that it is thanks to the defenders who protect the borders that Ukrainians are able to move freely and live in the rear. For those who have returned from the front, adaptation to civilian life is a challenge, but they continue to look for ways to be useful to the front.
According to Oleksandr Gingizov, the main message that should become the guiding one for every Ukrainian is the following: “Either we join the ranks of the Armed Forces or we help the Armed Forces.” The veteran emphasized the need to provide the rear with “positive and normal, healthy thoughts and ideas” as much as possible.
Of particular concern is the issue of public motivation and the state of the fight against indifference. The veteran noted that a significant part of the population is currently demotivated. “Our shield in the form of our Armed Forces of Ukraine has been holding it for more than three years. Those who were there also know the cost of this,” he said.
The veteran emphasized the importance of social adaptation of our defenders and the need for systematic work with society to overcome the deep trauma caused by war.
Alexander Gingizov called for the development of effective methods to motivate society to get rid of indifference and a sense of hopelessness. After all, these feelings can lead to the fatal “whatever happens, happens, I’ve already lived my life” attitude. However, he emphasized that we must remember about the children and grandchildren for whom we are leaving Ukraine.
Against the backdrop of these challenges, Alexander Gingizov emphasized the vital need for national and patriotic education of young people. “We have to raise a generation that will be ready to defend its land and at the same time value democratic principles. This is the basis of our future security,” he said. This phrase was the key one in the speech, emphasizing the strategic vision of the country’s development.
On Thursday, June 5, the Ukrainian Security Club held a regular offsite meeting in Zhytomyr on the topic “National Security and Internal Cohesion: Challenges and Prospects”. The event was attended by military personnel, veterans, academics, volunteers, representatives of local government and business, historians and experts.
As a result of the meeting, a number of practical recommendations were developed to strengthen the region’s security, support veterans and develop a system of national-patriotic education. The organizers of the event plan to submit these proposals to state and local authorities.
The Ukrainian Security Club is a platform that brings together representatives of the Security and Defense Forces, government and local self-government, think tanks, academics, public and political figures, and entrepreneurs who coordinate their activities to ensure Ukraine’s stable development, achieve sustainable peace, overcome internal contradictions, and promote social cohesion.
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