Inside Ukraine: Accidental Ukrainians

September 21, 2025 · 31 min

Show notes

In this episode, we’re joined by John Gordon Sennett, a U.S. Marine veteran, writer, and co-author of Accidental Ukrainians, a personal chronicle of war, survival, and adaptation from inside Ukraine.

John and his wife Natasha Sennett moved to Kiev just before the invasion began. What started as a family decision quickly turned into a frontline life. From volunteering in the early days of war to chronicling daily reality, they’ve written two powerful books that bridge cultures, challenge narratives, and offer something rarely seen—honest, unfiltered civilian-military experience from inside a war zone.

We talk about writing as survival, advocating for POWs, the culture clash between glory-seekers and those who stayed, and how narrative itself can become a tool for recovery.

John also shares an exclusive preview of their third book and a bold new mental health project with Ukrainian universities aimed at helping veterans and civilians process trauma through storytelling.

This is not just another perspective. It’s a voice from the inside—and it matters.

Accidental Ukrainians – Books by John & Natasha Sennett

Part One – https://amzn.to/3H9GrUb

Part Two – https://amzn.to/3ZyJH1J

Connect with John & Natasha Sennett

Medium – https://jgsennett-78059.medium.com/

Substack – https://johngordonsennettsr.substack.com/

LinkedIn – https://ua.linkedin.com/in/john-g-sennett-sr

Project & Updates – https://accidentalukrainians.com/