This introductory chapter sets the stage for the book by exploring grassroots resilience in Ukraine’s wartime context, situating it within broader theoretical debates and global resilience discourse. It critically examines the concept of resilience, recognising its potential for empowerment while acknowledging its limitations. The chapter reviews key academic debates, framing resilience as a dynamic process shaped by historical legacies, institutional frameworks, and collective action. Additionally, it outlines the book’s structure and core themes, including civic engagement, decentralisation, social cohesion, and linguistic shifts. Emphasising the unique case of grassroots resilience in Ukraine, this volume offers valuable insights into societal transformation during wartime.