Great effort is needed to survive conflicts, crises and wars. Ensuring resilience of infrastructure and provision of services goes beyond the public servant-sphere norms. Authorities must overcome challenges and proactively deal with emergencies. What makes for resilient public leadership in such situations? Emotional intelligence is one important component and the ability to thrive in times of uncertainty another.

Through interviews with public managers in Ukraine and Goleman’s model of emotional intelligence, this study shows how public servants endure turmoil and uncertainty, and manage various emotions during the Russia–Ukraine war. This includes how they make sense of multiple ongoing crises, and use negative energy for self-development and reforms. On an individual level, they help colleagues and the public regulate their emotions and navigate the multiple, and constant, disasters of war.