Ukraine Crisis Media Center hosted a public discussion on the constant Russian myth-making about the modern Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Experts, historians, journalists and regional authorities revealed the essence of the Kremlin’s propaganda narratives that distort the region’s past.
Sicheslavshchyna: the history that the empire is trying to take away
Historian Ihor Stambol argues that the Russian Empire and its successors systematically destroyed Ukrainian historical memory:
“With what does occupation begin? With the removal of archives. It is Russia that appropriates the facts and arguments confirming the right to a particular territory.”
The expert emphasized that Ukrainians need a systematic state policy of researching and highlighting their cultural values:
“We have enough sources to prove that we are a part of the European civilization.”
Images for manipulation: whom does propaganda use?
Tetyana Kolosova, head of UCMC’s press center, noted that Russian propaganda actively mythologizes both figures and entire periods of history. The Kremlin’s rhetoric pays special attention to the Soviet past:
“From Stalin to Catherine the Great, the image of ‘liberators’ is created, who allegedly built, defended, and created. And everything that is Ukrainian is secondary or artificial. This manipulation is part of the colonial narrative.”
She emphasized that one of Ukraine’s tasks today is to restore the truth:
“We must form our own historical discourse based on facts, not propaganda.”
How these myths work today
Victoria Shikhmagomedova, a representative of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, noted that historical myths did not disappear with the start of the full-scale invasion; on the contrary, they grew stronger:
“In the temporarily occupied territories, people are told that the region has never been part of Ukraine. That the entire infrastructure is a legacy of Russia. But we have the tools to counter this.”
According to her, educational initiatives, support for regional historians, and accessible popular science information are effective.
A voice from the community: why regional media are crucial
Iryna Sytnik, editor of Stepova Zoria, emphasized the role of local media in countering historical myths:
“If we do not tell people about their past, the enemy will do it. And they will do it in a way that is beneficial to them. We are studying archives, recording memories, looking for living history – and this is our response to attempts to destroy identity.“
Writer and philologist Iryna Pas’ko added that myths work on a deep level because they affect emotions. That is why it is important to create not only analytical texts but also works of fiction that restore the truth in the reader’s imagination:
“It is necessary to work against the myth not only with facts but also with meanings.“
What could be the response?
Kamianske official Ihor Zadorozhnii noted that the fight against propaganda is not only the responsibility of the central government, but also the responsibility of communities:
“When a community knows its history, it cannot be convinced that it is a part of the ‘Russian world.’ That is why we initiate new museum expositions, local history clubs, and exhibitions, and it works.“
Memory is a tool of resistance
All the speakers agreed that the fight against Russian myths is not only about the past, but also about the future. Restoring the truthful narrative is part of the Ukrainian resistance that must continue every day: at school, in the media, in the museum, and in the community.
“Myth is not fiction. It is an ideological weapon. And the only counteraction is our memory, research, education, and culture,” summarized Ihor Stambol.
