"We fight Nazism, Ukrainians are brothers" — an ideological façade
The claim "we fight Nazism, and Ukrainians are our brothers" sounds humane, but in practice it serves as an ideological façade. "Denazification" conceals a systematic attempt to destroy Ukrainian identity, erase language, history, culture, and the education of an entire people. This is not "cleansing" — it is a political strategy aimed at diluting and suppressing national uniqueness.
How the 'denazification' myth legitimizes the destruction of identity
Propaganda uses the term "denazification" as a euphemism to mask violent actions:
- Concept substitution: denazification = fighting Nazism, but in reality — destroying Ukrainian identity and language.
- False dilemmas: "either Russia or Nazis," depriving people of independent judgment.
- Emotional coercion: appeals to the memory of World War II justify violence as a "righteous mission."
- Repetition in media, Telegram channels, and social networks reinforces the false notion and creates an illusion of mass support (EUvsDisinfo).
Facts: systematic de-Ukrainization in education, culture, and media
In the occupied territories, numerous examples have been documented:
- Forced Russification of school and university education, banning Ukrainian textbooks, translating programs into Russian (HRW).
- Closure and plundering of libraries, museums, theaters, cultural centers (hundreds of objects — data from Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, 2023–2025).
- Persecution of teachers and lecturers who refuse to follow Russian curricula (Amnesty International).
- Ban on national holidays and events, including Independence Day, as a form of suppressing identity.
This is not a "fight against Nazism" but a deliberate policy to erase Ukrainian culture and national memory.
International assessments and legal qualification
International organizations document violations:
- HRW, Amnesty International, OSCE, UN — violations of the right to education in the native language, preservation of cultural heritage, and national identity.
- Violation of Geneva Conventions (Articles 27–28) protecting civilians, and Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the ICC — war crimes through destruction of infrastructure and violence against civilians.
- Actions aimed at erasing language, history, and cultural monuments fall under cultural genocide and crimes against humanity (Article 7 of the Rome Statute).
Why the myth works and is dangerous
The myth plays on the memory of World War II, suggesting that any suppression of Ukrainian identity is "justified." It creates learned helplessness, polarizes “us/them,” and legitimizes violence, allowing violations of international law and ignoring investigations of war crimes. This narrative strengthens the perceived moral justification of aggression among the Russian audience and falsely portrays Ukrainians as "enemies."
Conclusion
The claim "we fight only Nazism, Ukrainians are our brothers" is an ideological mask concealing the deliberate destruction of Ukrainian identity. International investigations document that this is not denazification but systematic de-Ukrainization. The myth justifies aggression, violates international law, and destroys the future of the people. Understanding this truth is the first step toward protecting the rights of Ukrainians to identity, language, and cultural memory.
Main sources and materials
About the Authors
This article was curated and verified by a team of experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical analysis. Contributors have 15+ years of experience in research, legal documentation, and educational content development.
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Last modified date: 25/11/2025