Ukraine has long been at the crossroads of empire,
ideology, and identity, with its history manipulated by colonial
narratives that continue to shape global perceptions. The ongoing
Russo-Ukrainian war is not just a military conflict but a battle for
historical truth, national sovereignty, and the right to
self-representation. It is a fight for every Ukrainian’s bodily
autonomy: for the right to stay on one's property, for the right not to
have children stolen by the colonizer, for the right of
self-determination, for freeing those illegally detained – living and
dead. While the world voyeuristically watches the war unfold in
real-time like some sort of sadistic reality show, misinformation,
outdated academic frameworks, and lingering Soviet propaganda continue
to cloud the discourse, reducing Ukraine’s struggle to simplistic
geopolitical binaries.
This white paper seeks to dismantle these misconceptions
by comprehensively analyzing Ukraine’s historical and cultural context,
media representations, and people's lived experiences. It explores how
narratives about Ukraine have been constructed, distorted, and
weaponized over time, impacting international perceptions and policy
decisions. By examining historical revisionism, propaganda tactics, and
the evolution of Ukrainian self-representation, this document aims to
equip allies with the knowledge needed to engage with Ukraine beyond
surface-level news coverage.
In a world where digital information warfare is as
pivotal as military strategy, understanding Ukraine requires more than
passive media consumption. It demands critical engagement, historical
awareness, and a commitment to decolonizing outdated perspectives. This
white paper is not an encyclopedia, nor does it answer all possible
questions – if anything, it poses its own questions to which there is no
correct solution. The authors aim to promote stronger media literacy
education because government censorship alone is insufficient, as
technological advancements make it easy to bypass content restrictions.
We advocate for programs that teach individuals how to critically assess
and interpret media content, which can undeniably save lives.
We call for activists and the affected nations to cease
making ongoing wars and military conflicts a competition. Death does not
judge by race, but people do. Comparative war narratives dehumanize and
antagonize victims instead of promoting mutual understanding and help.
Every death is its own tragedy, and we should respectfully mourn it
while striving to restore peace and affected infrastructure as soon as
possible.
War is not a trend to bolster one’s social media
following, or please one’s egocentrism and virtue-signaling itch.
Finally, this white paper addresses Ukraine's past and
present realities and provides practical guidance for those who seek to
meaningfully support its sovereignty and cultural integrity.
