Artem Chapeye discusses pacifism in Normal People Don’t Go Around Armed
- Ukrainian journalist and writer Artem Chapeye, who enlisted to defend his country following the February 24, 2022, Russian invasion, argues that the conflict has forced a profound re-evaluation...
- For Chapeye, the decision to take up arms was not born of martial ambition but of necessity.
- In his writing, Chapeye challenges the comfort of those living in nations that have not experienced war on their own soil for nearly a century.
Ukrainian journalist and writer Artem Chapeye, who enlisted to defend his country following the February 24, 2022, Russian invasion, argues that the conflict has forced a profound re-evaluation of pacifism and national duty. Chapeye, a self-described former pacifist and leftist, details his transition from fleeing Kyiv with his family to combat duty in his book, "Normal People Don’t Go Around Armed," published in 2026.
A Shift from Pacifism to Armed Resistance
For Chapeye, the decision to take up arms was not born of martial ambition but of necessity. Having spent his life skeptical of nationalism, he describes the Russian invasion as an existential threat to Ukrainian freedom that left no room for theoretical detachment. The author recounts that on the day the bombing began, he felt he had little choice but to defend his country to secure a future for his children.
In his writing, Chapeye challenges the comfort of those living in nations that have not experienced war on their own soil for nearly a century. He describes the conflict as a reality that is often sanitized or misunderstood by observers abroad, who may view the struggle through the lens of political factions or abstract debates.
The Reality of Combat and Tiredness
Chapeye addresses the concept of being "tired" of war, a sentiment he frequently encounters in discussions with foreigners. He characterizes this fatigue as an abstract luxury unavailable to those living under the constant threat of artillery and missile fire.
What does it mean to be ‘tired’ of war? What does it mean to be so? What alternatives are there? I don’t want to delve into Ukrainian history now, but it’s clear what our options are. Either we defend ourselves now, with all the losses that entails, or we return to being a colony of the empire for a hundred or two hundred years. Artem Chapeye
The author emphasizes that his motivation for fighting is rooted in the desire to look his family in the face. He expresses a hope that the war will end quickly, noting that since the first day of his service, he has looked forward to the moment he can finally remove his uniform. His primary hope is that his children will not be required to carry the burden of military service when they reach adulthood.
Reflections on the Future of Ukraine
"Normal People Don’t Go Around Armed" serves as an account of daily life for a European forced into a war, rather than a glorification of military virtue. Chapeye uses his experience to explore the contradictions inherent in patriotism, pacifism, and gender roles. He suggests that while these complex societal issues must wait for the conclusion of the conflict, they are subjects that require immediate contemplation.
Chapeye warns that if Ukraine were to surrender, the international community would likely offer little more than expressions of "deep concern" as the country faced the loss of its sovereignty. By remaining in the fight, he asserts that Ukrainians are not only defending their own lives but are also addressing a question of freedom that affects the broader world.