INTERVIEW: Anastasiia Sihnaievska on what expats and refugees can teach each other

Like many foreigners who come to Czechia, Anastasiia Sihnaievska began her career here as a language teacher. Initially, she volunteered to help refugee children learn Czech, gradually expanding her role to teach older students as her proficiency in the language deepened.

But when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Sihnaievska’s trajectory took a profound shift. She co-founded the Voice of Ukraine (Hlas Ukrajiny) project and later became a representative of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation in Czechia. Now, countering disinformation and raising awareness about the war are at the core of her work.

Her transformation from “an absolutely average citizen” to a vocal activist has drawn widespread attention—and sparked strong reactions. Ahead of the third anniversary of the invasion, we spoke with Sihnaievska about her journey from refugee to advocate and how expats in Czechia can navigate the complexities of disinformation while continuing to support Ukraine during this ongoing conflict.

This article was edited for length and clarity.

It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. My father had just joined the Ukrainian army, and Russian forces were advancing from Belarus, dangerously close to my hometown [Ed. note: Zhytomyr]. I witnessed missile strikes on civilian buildings and knew the danger wouldn’t pass quickly. I decided to leave—to save myself so that I could later help save others.

To understand the war’s longevity, we need to look beyond the past three years and consider Russia’s history of aggression. The invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was the latest chapter in a series of violations—starting with Crimea in 2014, followed by the destabilization of Donbas, and even earlier conflicts like Georgia in 2008. These actions reflect a broader strategy of destabilizing democracies through military force, disinformation, and political subversion.

The real question is why the international community took so long to recognize the scale of the threat. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine was inevitable—Moscow faced no real consequences for decades while global leaders reinforced its impunity. Now, the real danger is not just the war but the consequences of inaction. A Ukrainian defeat would embolden autocracies, proving that aggression works—and that threatens not just Kyiv but the entire democratic world.

It began as a response to an urgent need: making sure Ukraine’s voice was heard, even outside the country. Over time, our work expanded. We don’t just inform the public—we actively counter Russian propaganda, combat disinformation, and organize fundraising campaigns for the Ukrainian army. The war isn’t only fought on the battlefield; it’s also a battle for people's minds. The Kremlin wants to create doubt, fear, and fatigue among Europeans. We fight to make sure Ukraine’s story is told loudly and clearly.

The “Ukrainian biolabs” conspiracy is one of the most ridiculous. Russia claimed the U.S. was developing biological weapons in Ukraine—then the story kept changing. First, it was combat geese; then, it was ethnic bioweapons. These lies are designed to stoke fear and confusion. The more absurd the claim, the easier it is to debunk—provided people can access verified information.

It’s often wrapped in patriotism. Take the slogan Česko na prvním místě (“Czechia First”). On the surface, it sounds reasonable. But pro-Kremlin groups use it to push isolationist policies, weaken support for Ukraine, and stoke resentment. The idea that “we help Ukraine while Czechs suffer” ignores the reality that Czechia’s stability depends on European unity. Many people repeat these narratives without realizing they’re amplifying Russian disinformation.

When U.S. and European politicians downplay the threat of disinformation, they either fail to understand information warfare or knowingly aid those trying to destabilize the West—benefiting Russia. Europe must recognize that countering Russian propaganda is not censorship but a necessary defense of democracy, which is increasingly fragile and at risk of collapse.

It’s a double-edged sword. It allows us to spread truth quickly, but it also enables the rapid spread of disinformation. Since Elon Musk took over X, the platform has amplified radical voices and conspiracy theories. Disinformation isn’t just an online nuisance—it undermines trust in governments, European institutions, and support for Ukraine.

We call ourselves a Czech-Ukrainian initiative because we were founded here, but we unite people from many backgrounds—Czechs, other expats, anyone who understands that this war isn’t just about Ukraine. It’s about human rights, democracy, and the right to live in peace.

Disinformation is often spread unknowingly, and aggressive confrontation can deepen divisions. A more effective approach is to ask thought-provoking questions: “Where did you hear this?” “How reliable is the source?” “Have you verified this?” Encouraging critical thinking helps people reassess misinformation without feeling attacked.

In professional settings, staying silent isn't always an option, but neither is conflict. A calm, confident response—“Actually, the situation is different…” or “Here’s a reliable source on this”—can be surprisingly effective, as many people repeat information without much scrutiny.

However, when faced with systematic disinformation or radicalized views, it's important to recognize that not everyone can be persuaded. Focusing on those open to discussion is often more productive than engaging with those unwilling to reconsider their stance.

First, be active. Join rallies, support sanctions, and vote in elections. Passivity is dangerous. Second, share reliable information. For lies to win, truth just needs to stay silent. Use your voice.

Finally, help Ukrainians integrate. Language support, job opportunities, and housing assistance make a huge difference. The more stable we are, the more we can contribute—not just as refugees, but as members of Czech society.

While refugees often leave suddenly and expats move by choice, we face similar hurdles: language barriers, cultural adaptation, finding jobs, and building a sense of stability. Expats can teach refugees about career-building in a new country, while refugees can teach resilience—the ability to adapt quickly in extreme circumstances.

For me, the hardest part was feeling like I had to constantly prove my place in society. Many foreigners in Czechia face bureaucracy, stereotypes, and the pressure to take low-skilled jobs just to survive. But integration doesn’t mean losing your identity. You can build a new life while still holding onto who you are.

Visit the Hlas Ukrajiny Donio page to learn more about how you can support Ukraine and contribute to the ongoing efforts.