He started the revolution – his brother became a war hero

Mustafa and Masi Nayyem, brothers who emigrated from Kabul, Afghanistan, have become integral figures in shaping Ukraine's modern history. Mustafa, 45, is credited with sparking the 2013 Maidan Revolution after posting a call on Facebook that mobilized thousands. This movement ultimately led to the ousting of President Viktor Yanukovych and Ukraine's decisive pivot away from Russia.

His younger brother, Masi, 42, is a decorated war hero and a major in the Ukrainian army. He lost his right eye on the front lines in 2022. Masi founded the organization "Princip," which offers free legal assistance to Ukrainian war veterans struggling with the country's Soviet-era bureaucracy to access their rightful benefits.

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Mustafa is my hero. He has been at the front. Therefore, he has completely different credibility than I do when it comes to army issues.

Despite their different paths, the brothers share a deep bond and mutual admiration. Mustafa considers Masi his hero, acknowledging his credibility on military matters due to his combat experience. Masi, in turn, describes Mustafa as his dearest connection, the only one who remembers their childhood in Afghanistan and with whom he can share everything. He sees Mustafa as a strategic thinker and a politician, while he considers himself more emotional.

Mustafa Nayyem was a prominent journalist before the Maidan Revolution, transitioning to activism and later serving as a Member of Parliament from 2014 to 2019. He also held the position of Minister of Infrastructure from 2021 to 2023 and led the state agency for reconstruction. He has long advocated for Ukraine's integration with the EU, though he expresses disappointment with European leaders, feeling that many nations assist Ukraine defensively rather than as true allies engaged in a shared conflict.

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Mustafa is the dearest thing I have. The only one who remembers our childhood in Afghanistan. The one I can share everything with. Mustafa can think strategically. He is a politician. I am much more emotional.