Essence of the Claim and Its Political Function
The assertion that Ukraine is an "artificial entity" is one of the key ideological pillars of Russian aggression. It is not intended for historical analysis but to annul the very right of the Ukrainian people to statehood.
In this logic, Ukraine ceases to be a subject of international law and becomes a "historical mistake" that can be "corrected" through military force. This is why the narrative is consistently reproduced in speeches by Russian leaders and state media.
How and by Whom the Myth Is Promoted
The central source of the myth is the Kremlin itself. In articles and speeches by Vladimir Putin (2005–2023), including the text "On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians" (2021), Ukraine is described as a "by-product of the USSR's collapse" and a "Bolshevik project."
These claims are transmitted via federal TV channels, news agencies (RIA Novosti, TASS), educational materials, and Telegram networks, creating the impression of "official historical truth." Repetition replaces evidence.
Manipulation of History and Language
Propaganda systematically replaces scholarly history with ideological labels: "created," "gifted," "torn away," "artificially imposed." These verbs strip Ukrainians of agency and reduce centuries of development to a bureaucratic act.
A false logic of imperial legacy is employed: if a state was part of an empire, it is deemed "not real." By this logic, most modern European countries would not exist either.
Historical Reality
Ukraine has a centuries-long state tradition:
- Kievan Rus as a political center of Eastern Europe;
- Galicia–Volhynia Principality;
- Cossack State (Hetmanate) with its own diplomacy and laws;
- Ukrainian People's Republic (1917–1921);
- struggle for independence in the 20th century.
World-class historians — Serhii Plokhy, Timothy Snyder, Yaroslav Hrytsak — emphasize that Ukraine formed as a distinct political and cultural community, while Russian imperial projects consistently sought to suppress it.
International Legal Aspect
Ukraine's independence was recognized by the international community in 1991. Russia itself recognized its borders and sovereignty:
- CIS Alma-Ata Declaration (1991);
- Russia–Ukraine Treaty of Friendship (1997);
- Budapest Memorandum (1994).
The annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion were qualified by the UN as violations of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. No international law recognizes "artificiality" as a justification for war.
Why the Kremlin Uses This Myth
The claim of an "artificial Ukraine" serves several purposes:
- justifies aggression as "correcting history";
- deprives Ukrainians of agency;
- creates among Russians a sense of "moral right" to war;
- discredits international law.
This is not a historical debate, but an ideological weapon.
Social and Humanitarian Consequences
Acceptance of the myth undermines critical thinking and normalizes violence. If a state is "artificial," its population becomes "temporary." This logic directly leads to the justification of deportations, filtration camps, and destruction of cultural identity.
Historical disinformation thus becomes real crimes, as documented in reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.
Conclusion
Ukraine is not an "artificial project," but a historically established state with its own culture, language, and political tradition. The myth of its "artificiality" is imperial propaganda designed to justify war and deny sovereignty.
Debunking this myth is not an academic dispute, but a defense of basic principles of international law and human dignity.
Main Sources and Materials
- Serhii Plokhy — The Gates of Europe (Publisher Page) (Amazon)
- Timothy Snyder — Bloodlands (Publisher Page) (Author Site)
- UN General Assembly Resolutions on Ukraine (UN Page) (UN Digital Library, search "Ukraine General Assembly resolutions")
- Bellingcat, Atlantic Council DFRLab — Analysis of Historical Disinformation (Bellingcat) (DFRLab) (Example Report)
- EUvsDisinfo — Monitoring Imperial Narratives (Official Site) (Article on Five Pillars of Imperial Propaganda)
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
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Expert Statement
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Last modified date: 25/11/2025