On the festive Day of the Unity of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy put forward a new initiative aimed at examining the territories of Russia historically inhabited by Ukrainians.
Especially for these regions, the president signed a decree that provides for the establishment and dissemination of information about the oppression of the national identity of Ukrainians who historically lived in the specified territories. These regions include Kuban, Starodubshchyna, Northern and Eastern Slobozhanshchyna, which are now part of Krasnodar Krai, Belgorod, Bryansk, Voronezh, Kursk, and Rostov Oblasts of the Russian Federation.
As part of this decree, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered the government to develop a plan of measures to preserve the national identity of Ukrainians in the Russian Federation. For this, it is planned to involve international experts, representatives of the World Congress of Ukrainians, scientists and the public. The action plan must also be submitted to the National Security and Defense Council.
As part of this initiative, facts and testimonies about various crimes committed against Ukrainians living in their historically populated territories in Russia should be collected and studied. Special attention will be paid to the issues of the policy of forced Russification, political repressions and deportations affecting Ukrainians.
The President also expressed his desire that scientists prepare and distribute materials on the thousand-year history of Ukrainian state formation, as well as historical connections between lands inhabited by ethnic Ukrainians and Ukrainian national state formations during various historical periods. In addition, the president seeks to include the true history of ethnic Ukrainians in the lands historically inhabited by them in educational programs and textbooks both in Ukraine and in other countries of the world.
This initiative in historical matters is a reaction to Russia's previous efforts to present its own view of history, which determines the country's current actions. It is worth noting that similar actions of Russian President Putin have already become the object of attention and discussions at the international level, including his speeches and publications.
Historian and political scientist Oleksandr Paliy emphasizes that the spread of the Ukrainian view of history, especially in relation to the border territories, is important from both a historical and a security point of view.
He believes that it is not only historically important, but also necessary to ensure security. In particular, Paliy claims that Ukraine has a long history as a state, and not only Russia can claim Ukrainian history and territory. He believes that Ukrainian arguments are more valid, and it is important to show this to the world.
The historian emphasizes that this is especially important in the context of the territory of Zalissya, from where the Russian state arose, and where civilization was introduced precisely from the territory of Ukraine. He examines the history of the resettlement of Ukrainians and points out that these territories were inhabited by Ukrainians long before the creation of Muscovy.
Pali believes that it was important to talk about it earlier, but now that Ukraine is getting more attention from the world, it helps to shine a light on the true story and counter Russia's false narrative. It is noted that a true story can strengthen the diplomatic position of Ukraine and point to its centuries-old roots as a state.
Palia also notes the security aspect of this initiative. If there is another "collapse" in Russia, Ukraine may be interested in creating a security zone on its borders to protect against potential threats.
Recently, information appeared that the head of the State Administration of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov marked on the map of Russia some territories that now belong to Russia, but were previously part of Ukrainian lands. This emphasizes the importance of covering true history and the Ukrainian perspective on events.
