Textual resistance: intertextuality and the dichotomy of we vs. others in Ukrainian narratives of war

This essay explores how Ukrainian war narratives, as represented in the anthology Ukraine 22: Ukrainian Writers Respond to War, use intertextuality to construct the dichotomy between “we” and “others” in the context of the ongoing military conflict. By mobilizing national literary and historical traditions, Ukrainian authors incorporate cultural references to resist external aggression and affirm a collective identity. The “we” in these narratives is dynamic and inclusive, representing not only the Ukrainian people but also their cultural heritage, historical memory, and global allies united in the pursuit of justice. These references frame the conflict as more than a struggle for survival, positioning it as part of a long-standing fight to preserve cultural sovereignty. The concept of otherness is multi-faceted, symbolizing both the physical invasion and the deeper ideological forces that threaten to erase Ukrainian identity. The author, who draws on her experience as one of the anthology’s translators, argues that translation forms part of this meaning-making process, recreating intertextual relationships for a new readership while preserving their cultural and political significance.