Messengers of Peace | A Novel of Ukraine

Name: Messengers of Peace
Author: Stepan Buryachenko
ISBN: 979-8-28-194221-8

The Ukrainian Cause

Standing for freedom, sovereignty, and the right to self-determination

In the heart of Ukraine, a nation at war, two lives intertwine in an unbreakable bond of love and resilience. Ivan, a young computer programmer haunted by the horrors of the front line, and Nadya, an impassioned activist determined to forge a path to peace, find in each other the strength to keep fighting for their country's future. As their relationship deepens amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the conflict, Ivan and Nadya become the beating heart of a movement that will change the course of Ukraine's history. From the barricades of the Euromaidan protests to the corridors of power, they navigate a dangerous landscape of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and unwavering hope.

Inspired by true events and real stories of ordinary Ukrainians caught in extraordinary times, “Messengers of Peace” is a powerful, emotionally charged journey into the human cost of war and the unshakable spirit of those who dare to dream of peace against all odds. With lyrical prose and deeply drawn characters, debut novelist Stepan Buryachenko weave a tale that is at once intimate and epic, a vividly rendered snapshot of a nation at a crossroads and a testament to the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. Urgent, moving, and ultimately uplifting, this is a novel for our times, a reminder of the unbreakable bonds that unite us and the indomitable strength of the human heart. Step into the pages and let Ivan and Nadya's story unfold, a story that will stay with you long after the final page is turned.

About the Authors

The voices behind the story

This book is the collective effort of a team of writers, photographers, activists, and dreamers, that goes under the pseudonym of “Stepan Buryachenko”. Their work has been deeply influenced by the ongoing struggle for peace and sovereignty in Ukraine.

Some were born and raised in Kyiv, and have witnessed firsthand the tumultuous events of Ukraine’s recent history, from the Orange Revolution of 2004 to the Euromaidan protests of 2014 and the subsequent conflict with Russia. These experiences instilled in them a deep commitment to social justice, human rights, and the power of storytelling to create change.

Some have traveled Ukraine extensively, reporting from the front lines and giving voice to the civilians caught in the crossfire. Their photographs shed light on the human cost of the conflict and the resilience of those who live through it.

Some are active participant in Ukraine’s vibrant civil society, and are volunteers with numerous grassroots organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and community-building across the country's divides.

“Messengers of Peace” is Stepan Buryachenko’s first novel, born out of the desire to capture the human stories behind the headlines, to explore the emotional and psychological impacts of war, and to envision a path forward for their country. The characters of Ivan and Nadya are composite portraits drawn from the countless individuals Stepan Buryachenko have encountered in their work, their journeys a testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

Stepan Buryachenko dream of one day seeing their beloved Ukraine at peace, its people free to build the prosperous, inclusive society they have always deserved.

Chapters

A journey through resilience, love, and the fight for peace

1. Before the Storm

Introduces Ivan and Nadya's lives in Kyiv just before the invasion, establishing their personalities, careers, and relationship while hinting at the approaching conflict.

2. When Dawn Broke Red

Captures the chaos of the invasion's first day, showing the transformation of everyday life into wartime existence and the beginning of Ivan and Nadya's deeper connection.

3. When Morning Asks for Courage

Shows the transformation of ordinary citizens into community organizers and how professional skills can be repurposed during crisis.

4. A History of Resilience

Portrays realistic scenes from the war's early weeks, including civilian evacuations, and introduces symbolic elements that tie into themes of time, memory, and future hope.

5. Time for Action

Takes our characters into one of the war's darkest episodes - the Bucha massacre - showing their evolution into documenters of war crimes and humanitarian workers.

6. Departure

A high-stakes rescue mission behind enemy lines leads to life-or-death decisions and the discovery of an orphaned infant, raising the emotional stakes.

7. Unexpected Encounters

Explores the aftermath of their dangerous mission and the deepening of their relationship through shared purpose, trauma, and hope.

8. Reunited

Shows the evolution of their relationship alongside their peace-building work, creating a realistic path from grassroots ideas to potential policy influence.

9. A Flicker of Hope

Elevates their peace work to the highest levels of government while deepening their relationship through cultural connections and shared purpose.

10. Messengers of Peace

Brings the story to an emotional conclusion, showing Ivan and Nadya's journey from ordinary citizens to international peace advocates.

The Peace Plan

The 10-point Peace Plan for Ukraine.

Appendices

Factual events and information of the history of Ukraine

I. The Holodomor

A factual overview of the tragic 1932-1933 man-made famine in Ukraine that killed millions and continues to shape Ukrainian national identity and memory.

II. Path to Independence

A concise summary of the key events and factors that led to Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, highlighting the resurgence of Ukrainian national consciousness.

III. Orange Revolution

An examination of the 2004-2005 peaceful protests and political movement that challenged electoral fraud and demonstrated Ukraine's commitment to democratic values.

IV. Revolution of Dignity

A detailed account of the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests that began over European integration and evolved into a broader movement for democracy, dignity, and anti-corruption.

V. Crimea and Donbas

A factual analysis of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and the subsequent conflict in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region that set the stage for the 2022 full-scale invasion.

VI. Ukraine Today

A contemporary assessment of Ukraine's current situation, examining how the nation's resilience, democratic aspirations, and European integration efforts continue to define its identity and future prospects in the face of ongoing challenges and the path toward lasting peace.