Essence of the Myth and Its Purpose
The idea of "Novorossiya" is not a historical fact but an artificially constructed narrative created to justify Russia's territorial claims on southeastern Ukraine. Using historical toponyms from the 18th–19th centuries provides no legal basis for altering modern borders by force. The "Novorossiya" myth turns internationally recognized Ukrainian territories into "historically Russian" lands, directly violating the UN Charter and the principle of state territorial integrity (UN General Assembly Resolutions 68/262, 71/205).
Propaganda Mechanisms
The propaganda narrative relies on several key techniques:
- repetition of terms such as "Novorossiya," "Russian identity," "protecting our own";
- selective use of historical facts from the 18th–19th centuries while ignoring the 20th–21st centuries;
- creating the impression of "historical inevitability" and "legitimacy" of aggression;
- demonization of Ukrainian authorities and disregard for the sovereign will of the region's population.
Historical and Demographic Reality
Southeastern Ukraine has always been a multiethnic and culturally diverse region: Ukrainians, Russians, Greeks, Tatars, Jews, and others. Modern Ukrainian identity developed in these lands over centuries independently of imperial administrative borders.
The term "Novorossiya" in the Russian Empire was used as an administrative designation and disappeared from official use by the early 20th century.
Actual Russian Intervention
OSINT investigations (Bellingcat, Conflict Intelligence Team, 2014–2025) and international organization reports document:
- direct military intervention by Russia, including supply of weapons and regular troops;
- funding and coordination of separatist movements;
- creation of "people's republics" as artificial entities without majority population support;
- violation of international law norms (UN Charter, UN Resolution 3314 on the Crime of Aggression).
Legal Assessment
Russia's actions against southeastern Ukraine qualify as:
- violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity;
- aggression against a UN member state (UN Charter, Articles 2 and 51);
- support of armed formations on the territory of another state (Human Rights Watch — Ukraine).
The attempt to legitimize these actions through "historical rights" is fictional and has no legal force under international law.
Internal Contradictions of the Myth
- If the region "has always been Russian" — why the military invasion and creation of "people's republics"?
- Why did the idea of "Novorossiya" disappear from official Russian discourse after 2015 despite ongoing intervention?
- Why do the majority of the region's inhabitants identify as Ukrainian citizens rather than Russian?
Propaganda Goals
The "Novorossiya" narrative is used for:
- ideological justification of territorial aggression;
- internal mobilization of the Russian audience;
- demoralization of the Ukrainian population and creation of a "frozen conflict";
- covering direct violations of international law.
Conclusion
"Novorossiya" is an artificial construct with no historical or social basis in the 21st century. Its sole purpose is to justify Russia's aggression, conceal violations of Ukraine's sovereignty, and create the illusion of "historical legitimacy." International norms, OSINT investigations, and demographic data clearly show that the myth is used exclusively for propaganda purposes.
Main Sources and Materials
- Encyclopaedia of Ukraine (1993–2022)
- Bellingcat — investigations of Russian intervention (2014–2025)
- Conflict Intelligence Team
- Human Rights Watch — Ukraine Reports 2014–2025
- EUvsDisinfo — monitoring of Russian propaganda
- Atlantic Council DFRLab — analysis of information operations
- O. Shevel, T. Kuzio — academic studies on Ukrainian identity and regional history
- UN Charter, Articles 2, 51
- UN Resolution 3314 on the Crime of Aggression
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.
Methodology
The content on this site is compiled and verified by experts in international law, human rights, and geopolitical research. Sources include official legal documents, national and international legislation, resolutions of the UN, reports from international organizations, and verified open-source evidence. Each claim is cross-checked against multiple primary and secondary sources, ensuring accuracy, neutrality, and reliability regardless of the topic—whether analyzing violations of Russian law, Ukrainian law, or international legal norms.
Expert Statement
The authors affirm that the information presented reflects established legal interpretations and documented facts. Analyses are grounded in international law principles and widely recognized geopolitical assessments. References to official documents and reports are provided to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.
Last modified date: 25/11/2025