21/08/2026
A true Food for Thought with Xenia Frost Fitisova, disclosing the secrete of Ukraine resilience
By CB volunteer, Soni Khanal from Nepal
Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome Xenia Frost Fitisova to Crossing Borders for a thought-provoking Food for Thought session exploring empathy, the experiences of Ukrainian refugees, and what democracy can mean in times of uncertainty.
Xenia shared her journey into psychiatry, from being curious about mental health challenges to developing deeper understanding and, ultimately, empathy. She encouraged us to look beyond what we see and consider how upbringing, circumstances, and social pressure shape people's responses to hardship.
Fleeing from war does not automatically mean finding safety. Physical safety may be reached, but PTSD, trauma, grief, uncertainty, loss, and your connection to your loved ones back home remain. Xenia also reminded us that trauma can travel across generations.
Two Ukrainian expressions stayed with us.
“Все добре” (Vse dobre) — “I am fine.” Behind these words, there can be a very different reality. People may learn to carry their struggles quietly and support themselves rather than ask for help.
And “треба” (treba), the feeling that something has to be done. In difficult circumstances, this can mean helping and supporting others even as you carry your own grief.
Xenia also shared about her Ukrainian translation of Hal Koch’s What Is Democracy?, prompting a powerful question: What does democracy mean when basic needs are unmet, and survival is the immediate priority?
Thank you, Xenia, for an evening that encouraged us to look beyond the surface, listen with greater empathy, and reflect on what democracy, solidarity, and humanity mean in difficult times.
Ukraine House in Denmark, Bevar Ukraine Khrystyna MelnychukAnna KudeliaDIPD - Danish Institute for Parties and Democracy Rikke BøyesenElisabeth Fredskilde Hartman