Logline: Amid the Russo-Ukrainian War, two lifelong friends, Igor and Sasha, find themselves on divergent paths. As the conflict drags into its third year, their differing views on the war create a deep rift between them, revealing cracks within their families and communities.

Synopsis:

In the midst of the Russo-Ukrainian War, Ukraine is divided between those who believe in fighting until victory and those who accuse the government of selling out to foreign oligarchs. At the heart of this struggle are two close friends: Igor and Sasha.

Igor, a 36-year-old video editor, joined the military at the start of the war, driven by his commitment to defend his country. Despite multiple injuries and the harsh realities of war, Igor remains steadfast in his belief that Ukraine must win at any cost. His wife, Lesya, and their 12-year-old daughter, Dasha, fled to safety early in the conflict, leaving Igor behind to fight.

Sasha, a 35-year-old former musician turned volunteer, dedicates his efforts to supporting the war effort through humanitarian work, delivering aid to soldiers and refugees. However, his disillusionment with the government and the ongoing conflict pushes him to his limits. Sasha’s ex-wife, Yulia, and their 15-year-old daughter, Vika, have found refuge in Poland, while Sasha remains in Ukraine, torn between his love for his family and his country.

As the war continues, the ideological divide between Igor and Sasha becomes increasingly evident. Their once-strong friendship is strained by their conflicting beliefs: Igor is determined to win the war, while Sasha, disillusioned, seeks alternative paths. This divide causes tension not only between them but also within their families and among their friends.

Igor isolates himself from those who no longer share his unyielding determination, while Sasha, still in Ukraine, grapples with his place in a turbulent world. As their paths diverge, both men face personal struggles and the painful realization that their friendship may not survive the rift that has emerged between them.

Stay With Ukraine explores the emotional and moral complexities of war, the cost of loyalty, and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of conflicting ideals.