In a dramatic week characterized by intensified Russian aerial assaults, a profound sense of resilience has blossomed among Ukrainians. Social media in Ukraine has witnessed the spread of an evocative dual-image meme, juxtaposing a historical photograph of Londoners during the Blitz with current scenes from Kyiv. This image captures shoppers at local markets amidst the smoke of recent missile strikes, encapsulating a spirit that asserts 'Bombs can't stop markets'. The resilience amongst citizens is palpable, yet beneath this determination lies a pervasive fear, particularly as civilian targets continue to be hit.

Despite calls for negotiations and talks of appeasement from global political leaders, many Ukrainians firmly believe that Russia only understands strength. President Zelensky's recent meetings with U.S. President Trump and European leaders highlight the precarious tensions in international relations and the difficulty in reaching consensus on how best to support Ukraine in a war that has proverbially entered a new phase. With the word 'appeasement' resurfacing in political discourse, both historical parallels and the contemporary realities of this conflict continue to shape the conversation around Ukraine's fight for survival.