Diana Berg, a Ukrainian artist and writer originally from Mariupol, has spoken about the emotional rift she feels between Ukrainians who left their country after the Russian invasion and those who remained. In a recent essay, she described feelings of anger, guilt, and shame that have emerged as a result of this separation.
Berg, who now runs her cultural initiative Platform TU from exile, noted that while she had grown accustomed to Western colleagues not fully grasping the reality of war, a recent incident with a fellow Ukrainian made her realise how deep the divide has become. She recounted being asked to reschedule a meeting by a Ukrainian who had left, an experience she found far more jarring than similar requests from foreigners.
The essay highlights a broader psychological wound of the war: the strain in relationships between Ukrainians who have vastly different day-to-day experiences. Those who stayed face constant danger, blackouts, and grief, while those who left often live in relative safety. Berg suggested this gap in understanding can lead to resentment on both sides.
The artist did not name the individual or provide further details about the conversation. Her reflections have resonated with many Ukrainians who report similar tensions within families and friend groups. The full essay was published online earlier this week.