The UCMC press center held a public discussion dedicated to the fight against pro-Moscow imperial myths disseminated in the Odesa region and the importance of counter-propaganda in wartime.
The following issues were discussed during the event:
- Pro-Moscow imperial myths in the Odesa region: pre-war and post-war situation;
- Expert assessment of the state of Ukrainian counter-propaganda;
- Prospects for a decolonization information campaign.
At the beginning of the discussion, the moderator of the event, Ihor Stambol, presented to the participants and viewers a video produced by UCMC specialists, which debunks myths about the so-called “originally Russian” city and tells about the real events that shaped its identity.
Doctor of Historical Sciences, Taras Honcharuk, Professor of the Department of Ukrainian History of Odesa National University named after I.I. Mechnikov, is convinced that there should be propaganda of the true history, true historical knowledge. Only the truth suits Ukraine.
In his opinion, it is very good that we have such projects that make it possible to convey the true history to the broad masses.
According to him, there were a lot of figures in Odesa, who promoted true ideas, but their voice was insignificant, because they did not have an audience.
“Unfortunately, our true ideas are being promoted very gradually, because we do not have the means to spread them. These ideas are true, and they reach those who reason, who think, who analyze. And Russia acted with tough aggressive propaganda.”
Serhiy Hutsaliuk, the head of the Southern Interregional Department of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, stated that pro-Russian myths in Odesa were promoted earlier and live on now, largely thanks to those who are currently in local government. In particular, the mayor Trukhanov.
But, according to him, over the past three years since the invasion, cardinal tectonic changes have occurred in Odesa. First of all, thanks to public activities.
