Words and photographs by Anastasiia Pischanska
My recent work explores the digital footprints of a generation formed by war and displacement. In 2024, I began a research project on Ukrainian Gen Z in the digital era, collecting more than 200 personal accounts through an open call. This research now forms the foundation of my first feature-length documentary, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN THEZZZE YEARS, which seeks to portray the collective subconscious of a generation in constant motion—physically, digitally, and emotionally. The film centers on the question “where have you been these years” and the “Z” symbol, both of which serve as powerful markers of propaganda in the digital age. Spread by Russian online media, the question aims to create doubt among Ukrainians, while the colonial “Z” symbol is used to designate occupied land. The documentary grapples with metaphysical themes like the shared spirit of a generation, the essence of evil, and the search for meaning in a seeming absence of divinity. It examines how my generation, deeply marked by war, can come to terms with memory. I pay particular attention to younger queer people, artists, soldiers, and children.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Understanding Gen Z in Ukraine
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Who exactly is considered Gen Z in Ukraine
Gen Z or Zoomers in Ukraine generally refers to people born between the late 1990s and the early 2010s This is the first generation to grow up entirely in the digital age with the fullscale invasion in 2022 being a defining collective experience for most of them
2 Why is it important to study Gen Z in Ukraine specifically
Ukraines Gen Z is unique They are digital natives globally connected and have come of age during a period of profound national transformation revolution and war Understanding them is key to grasping Ukraines future social economic and cultural trajectory
3 What are the main characteristics of Ukrainian Gen Z
Key traits include high digital literacy pragmatic and selfreliant mindset strong national identity blended with global cultural influences entrepreneurial spirit and a focus on mental health and worklife balance The experience of war has also deeply shaped their resilience values and priorities
4 How do they differ from Millennials in Ukraine
While Millennials witnessed Ukraines independence and the Orange Revolution in their youth Gen Zs formative years were marked by the Euromaidan Revolution and the ongoing war Gen Z is even more digitally integrated often more pragmatic than idealistic and has had less experience of a stable prewar Ukraine
Common Problems Context
5 What are the biggest challenges facing Gen Z in Ukraine today
Major challenges include disruption to education and career paths due to the war psychological trauma and anxiety economic instability separation from family and friends and navigating uncertainty about the future while building a life during conflict
6 How has the war impacted their worldview and daily life
The war has accelerated a sense of maturity and responsibility Daily life involves air raid alerts online learning and adapting to constant change Their worldview is shaped by a clear understanding of security threats a deep value for freedom and a focus on tangible immediate contributions to their countrys resilience
7 Is it true that Ukrainian Gen Z is less interested in politics
Not less interested but often