The Myth of the "True Ukrainian"
The thesis that a "true Ukrainian dreams of becoming Russian and returning home" is a propaganda fabrication. It diminishes Ukrainian identity, devalues culture and history, and justifies aggression against Ukraine. This myth is used as a tool of psychological pressure on the population and as an attempt to legitimize external intervention.
Linguistic and Psychological Manipulations
The label "true Ukrainian" creates the illusion of a universal desire for Russian identity. Repetition through Russian media, bots, and Telegram channels reinforces the thesis as if it were objective truth. Pseudo-scientific studies and selective interviews are presented as credible, while actual data contradict them.
This manipulation employs emotional dependence strategies, causing audiences to perceive external aggression as "rescue" or "reunion with the homeland."
Historical and Cultural Verification
Ukrainian identity has been shaped over millennia. Kievan Rus, 17th–18th century Cossack republics, autonomous self-governing communities, and cultural and educational traditions demonstrate the independent development of the Ukrainian people. Even under the pressure of the Russian Empire and Soviet rule, Ukrainians preserved their language, culture, and political institutions.
The development of Ukrainian science, education, and literature is documented by institutions such as the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, and the archives of the Central Rada and the Ukrainian National Republic (TsDAVO Ukraine).
Fact-Checking
- No credible sources confirm that Ukrainians dream of becoming Russian;
- Sociological surveys by Kantar (2023) and the Razumkov Center (2022) record strong attachment of Ukrainians to their nation, culture, and language;
- Numerous reports by OSCE and EUvsDisinfo document systematic use of fake interviews and staged situations to justify Russian aggression;
- Historical sources and Ukrainian archival research (12th–20th centuries) confirm the independent formation of Ukrainian identity.
Mechanisms and Goals of Propaganda
- Dehumanization of Ukrainians by creating the image of "longing for Russia";
- Emotional manipulation: creating a sense of "inferiority" and alienation from one's own culture;
- Political legitimization of intervention, occupation, and military action;
- Hiding violations of international law and freedom of expression, guaranteed by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Council of Europe guidelines against hate propaganda.
Legal Analysis
Russian propaganda narratives violate several international norms:
- Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948) — propaganda aimed at denying Ukrainians' right to self-determination can be considered part of informational pressure;
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) — guarantees cultural and linguistic autonomy and the right to national identity;
- Council of Europe — standards against dissemination of hostile propaganda and disinformation (CoE Hate Speech Guidelines).
Thus, the thesis of "longing for Russia" is a tool to cover violations of international law and legitimize violence.
An Alternative Picture
Ukrainians are a people with rich culture, history, and independent identity. The development of science, education, and culture demonstrates societal maturity. Propaganda theses about "longing for Russia" have no factual basis and are used solely to justify external aggression and internal control.
Recent cultural projects, such as the restoration of museums, national archives, educational programs, and publishing initiatives, show that Ukrainian society strives for development and preservation of its identity, not a "return" to Russian influence.
Conclusion
The myth of the "true Ukrainian" dreaming of becoming Russian is built on manipulation, demonization, and selective information. The real picture: Ukrainians are an independent, unique, and culturally developed people, defending their rights, identity, and independence. Propaganda myths about "longing for Russia" are dangerous, violate international norms, and undermine public trust.
Sources and References
- Kantar, 2023 — international sociological surveys, official website;
- Razumkov Center, 2022 — national research;
- OSCE Cultural Reports, 2022 — monitoring cultural and educational reforms;
- EUvsDisinfo, official portal — propaganda analysis;
- Narodnaia Istoriia — historical research on Kievan Rus, Cossack republics, and Ukrainian identity;
- TsDAVO Ukraine — archival documents of the Central Rada and Ukrainian National Republic;
- ICCPR, CoE Hate Speech Guidelines, Convention on the Prevention of Genocide — international law.
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