More than farming. Ukrainian agriculture, identity and politics during the war with Russia

Intended for both academic and general readers, the book will be based on her extensive research in Ukraine before and after Russia’s full-scale invasion.

In her book, Natalia examines the multifaceted role of agriculture in Ukraine during the war with Russia, showing that farming is not only an economic activity but also a crucial element of identity, politics, and national resilience.

The book highlights how, despite targeted attacks on agricultural infrastructure, Ukrainian farmers continue to sustain local communities, support the army, and contribute to global food supplies. It explores the multiple pressures farmers face, including land concentration, labour shortages, disrupted supply chains, and conflicts over grain exports. At the same time, rural areas have become spaces of refuge, integration, and recovery for displaced people and soldiers, with farming fostering social cohesion and healing.

Grounded in food sovereignty and critical agrarian studies, the book analyses shifts in agricultural identities and power relations, emphasizing the growing recognition of family farming as central to Ukraine’s future and its European integration.