In the essay, the author shares her reflections on the Russian fullfledged invasion of Ukraine from the position of a scholar who for many years has been working and living outside Ukraine. The essay presents the reactions of non-Ukrainian scholars and students to the war. The author questions the knowledge produced under the influences of quasi-colonial stereotypes, which is revealed through the discourses of dialogue and reconciliation that lack a deeper understanding of the Ukrainian context. The article also approaches the issue of the resilience of Ukrainian society that despite the hardships of war continues not only to fight but also to dream and work for its presence and future.