The development of Ukrainian civil society in the face of the war to preserve independence

Objectives An in-depth analysis of the process of fostering civic and national consciousness among Ukrainians, which contributed to the widespread mobilization of society in defense of their own country and the development of civil society. Material and methods Theoretical methods, including a review of the literature on the subject, particularly the views of Ukrainian and European experts on research into the development of democracy and civil society. In addition, using descriptive analysis of statistical data from secondary sources, the study presents the societal challenges facing Ukraine resulting from demographic collapse and population decline caused by war-related losses and emigration. Results The armed conflict triggered by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has spurred civic engagement among the Ukrainian people. Ukrainian citizens lack democratic models in their history to which they could refer in the process of political, constitutional, and social transformations taking place in the country. A characteristic feature of Ukrainian society was a revolutionary approach to political change, rather than the evolution of a post-communist society toward a civil society. Conclusions The war has also brought about a social revival among the Ukrainian population. If Ukraine does not change its pro-European course in foreign policy - culminating in accession to the European Union and NATO - and, in domestic policy, builds democratic structures and develops the characteristics of an open and socially active society, it will seize the opportunity to join the ranks of democratic nations.