Ukrainian Activist Releases Dutch Book Challenging War Propaganda

Ukrainian Councilor’s Book Explores War, Propaganda, and the Power of Words

Ukrainian activist and Dordrecht city councilor Vita Kovalenko has released a powerful new book examining Russia’s war against Ukraine and the dangerous role of propaganda in modern conflicts. “Truth Under Fire,” written in Dutch, weaves together personal experiences with a critical analysis of information warfare.

“There is a moment when you realize: freedom has a price. That the truth needs words. That you have to sacrifice something – sometimes time, money, or confidence. Because some people sacrifice their lives,” Kovalenko writes in her compelling narrative.

Born in Ukraine’s Luhansk region, Kovalenko grew up in what she describes as “an atmosphere of silence” in the shadow of the Chernobyl disaster, during a time when speaking out carried significant risks. Her father imparted a crucial lesson that would shape her worldview: “Pay attention not only to what is said, but first and foremost to what is left unsaid.”

After relocating to the Netherlands in 2006, Kovalenko began noticing familiar patterns of disinformation appearing in Western media – a troubling echo of what she had witnessed in her youth. This observation, combined with her academic background in marketing and communications from Rotterdam, provided the foundation for her book.

“Truth Under Fire” serves dual purposes. It functions as an analytical examination of how propaganda mechanisms operate in today’s digital landscape, while simultaneously offering a deeply personal account of the human cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kovalenko explores how words can be weaponized and why truth becomes particularly vulnerable during times of conflict.

“I began recognizing here in Western media the same patterns of propaganda and disinformation that were familiar to me from childhood,” Kovalenko explains. “I explore how modern propaganda works, how words are used as weapons, and why the truth in wartime is so vulnerable.”

The book includes a dedicated “Testimonies” section where fellow Ukrainians share their firsthand experiences of living through the war. These accounts provide readers with intimate glimpses into the realities faced by ordinary citizens caught in extraordinary circumstances.

Kovalenko emphasizes that contemporary conflicts unfold on two fronts simultaneously – the physical battlefield and the information space. While the physical violence receives most attention, she argues that information warfare can be equally destructive, albeit in less visible ways.

Written primarily for Dutch readers who enjoy relative security and peace, the book challenges its audience to recognize the fragility of freedom and the constant vigilance required to preserve it. Kovalenko’s central message resonates clearly: “Truth is not what we say, but what we refuse to be silent about.”

Beyond chronicling Ukraine’s struggle, the book advocates for broader recognition of Ukrainians’ right to exist and maintain their national identity. It places their fight for freedom and dignity within a global context, highlighting the universal implications of their resistance against Russian aggression.

The official presentation of “Truth Under Fire” is scheduled for April 24 in Rotterdam, where Kovalenko now lives and serves as a city councilor in nearby Dordrecht.

In creating this work, Kovalenko has produced more than just another book about the war in Ukraine. She has crafted a timely examination of how information can be manipulated, how propaganda functions in the digital age, and why the battle for truth remains as vital as ever in preserving human freedom and dignity.

As information warfare continues to evolve alongside traditional conflicts, Kovalenko’s insights offer valuable perspective from someone who has experienced both Soviet-era propaganda and its modern manifestations in Western democracies.