Thesis Essence and Objective
Russian propaganda portrays Ukrainian historical reflection as 'Russophobia,' while attempts to restore facts about 20th-century tragedies are framed as a threat to 'shared heritage.' The myth aims to discredit independent historical thinking and legitimize the narrative of a 'unified Soviet history,' justifying external aggression and informational pressure.
Manipulation Mechanisms
Propaganda employs:
- Repetition: "Ukraine destroys shared history";
- Concept substitution: criticism of Soviet crimes = denial of all Soviet achievements;
- Emotional codes: "betrayal of ancestors," "rupture of brotherly nations";
- Ignoring international standards of historical memory and human rights.
Factual Reality
Ukraine implements legitimate measures of decommunization and decolonization:
- Removal of monuments and toponymic changes in accordance with the Decommunization Law;
- Opening of KGB/NKVD archives and publication of materials for researchers and the public (Ukrainian Archives);
- Creation of museums: Holodomor Museum, Museum of the Revolution of Dignity;
- Official recognition of the Holodomor as genocide, confirmed in European Parliament and national parliament resolutions in over 20 countries.
This is not 'rewriting history,' but restoring historical truth and ensuring the right to memory.
Fact-Checking Propaganda
The myth of 'rewriting history' ignores key facts:
- Open archives document mass crimes of the Soviet regime;
- The Holodomor is recognized as genocide in more than 20 countries, including the European Parliament and the US Congress;
- Decommunization and critique of totalitarianism are internationally recognized practices (Germany, Poland, Baltic states).
Legal Analysis
The propagandist thesis conceals real violations of international law by Russia:
- Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) — right to freedom of expression and historical reflection;
- 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide — denial of genocide violates international norms;
- International standards against hate propaganda and disinformation (Council of Europe), applied to Russia to control informational impact on Ukraine).
Propaganda attempts to conceal systematic interference in the information space and discredit Ukraine's historical memory.
Examples of Informational Pressure
- Media and social network campaigns claiming 'Russophobia' for publishing archival documents;
- Erroneous accusations of 'destroying shared history' during decommunization of toponyms;
- Repetition of the myth via state channels and bots (confirmed by EUvsDisinfo and DFRLab).
Effects of Propaganda
The narrative creates false emotional tension: criticism of Soviet crimes is portrayed as a threat to 'Russian culture,' and international recognition of tragedies as an alleged 'rupture of historical ties.' The goal is to justify external aggression and internal pressure on Ukrainian society.
Conclusion
The myth of 'rewriting history' is a tool of informational warfare and revisionism. Ukraine restores historical truth, opens archives, and acknowledges its own tragedies, in accordance with international norms and standards of historical memory. Recognizing these facts protects human rights, national identity, and strengthens society against external propaganda.
Main Sources and References
- Ukraine Law "On Decommunization"
- Ukrainian Archives: Open KGB/NKVD Documents
- Holodomor Museum
- Museum of the Revolution of Dignity
- European Parliament and national parliamentary resolutions on the Holodomor
- Timothy Snyder, Anne Applebaum, Serhii Plokhy — studies of 20th-century Ukrainian history
- EUvsDisinfo, Atlantic Council DFRLab — propaganda monitoring
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
- 1948 Genocide Convention
- Council of Europe: Standards Against Hate 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
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