The Ukrainian response to the 2022 Russian invasion has inspired a new appreciation for their country both within and beyond Ukraine. The steadfastness of Ukrainians in the defense of their country no longer surprises observers as Ukrainians have demonstrated a deep commitment to their country for more than two years. The stories presented here from the war's second year highlight the ways in which Ukrainians have explored the meaning of their country and culture through the arts; and the manner in which the arts and their creators have empowered Ukrainians to confront the Russian invaders. They represent an extension of the artistic efforts during the war's first year-chronicled in The Arts of War: Ukrainian Artists Confront Russia. Year One-to bolster Ukraine's war efforts.

DR. BLAIR A. RUBLE is a Distinguished Scholar at the WILSON CENTER in Washington, D.C., and previously served as the Center's Vice-President for Programs, and Director of its Kennan Institute. Educated at the UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA and the UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, where he received his PhD in Political Science, he is the author of eight book-length works, including The Arts of War: Ukrainian Artists Confront Russia, Year One. He received an honorary doctorate from the Ukrainian Modern Art Research Institute.