Fact Check: ukraine as a country is actually a fiction

The Claim: "Ukraine as a Country is Actually a Fiction"

Introduction

The assertion that "Ukraine as a country is actually a fiction" has gained traction in certain political and media circles, particularly among Russian officials and some international commentators. This claim is often used to undermine Ukraine's sovereignty and justify aggressive actions against it. However, a thorough examination of Ukraine's history, culture, and political status reveals that this assertion is fundamentally false. This article will analyze the claim, provide historical context, and present evidence to demonstrate the reality of Ukraine as a legitimate nation-state.

Background

The roots of the claim that Ukraine is a fictional state can be traced back to statements made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials. Putin has argued that Ukraine is an invention of the Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin, who supposedly granted it a sense of statehood within the Soviet Union. He stated, "Modern Ukraine was entirely and fully created by Russia, more specifically the Bolshevik, communist Russia" [3]. This narrative is part of a broader Russian historical revisionism that seeks to portray Ukraine as an artificial construct rather than a legitimate nation with its own identity and history.

Historically, Ukraine has a complex past that includes periods of independence and foreign domination. The territory that is now Ukraine was once part of the Kievan Rus', a medieval state that laid the foundations for both modern Ukraine and Russia. However, after the disintegration of Kievan Rus' in the 13th century, the region experienced centuries of foreign rule, including Polish, Lithuanian, and Russian control [2][4]. Despite these challenges, a distinct Ukrainian identity began to emerge, particularly in the 19th century, as nationalism grew among the Ukrainian population.

Analysis

The claim that Ukraine is a fictional state ignores the rich historical and cultural tapestry that defines the nation. While it is true that Ukraine's statehood as a modern entity was formally established in the early 20th century, this does not negate its historical existence or the development of a unique national identity. Matthew Lenoe, a historian at the University of Rochester, emphasizes that "today Ukraine is a nation state" and that the "vast majority of Ukrainians want to preserve their independence" [1].

Moreover, the assertion that Ukraine lacks a historical basis for its statehood is misleading. The Ukrainian language and cultural identity have evolved over centuries, shaped by various influences and historical events. The emergence of the Cossack Hetmanate in the 17th century, for example, marked a significant moment in Ukrainian self-governance and identity formation [2][4].

Putin's claims also overlook the fact that Ukraine's independence was not granted by Moscow but was the result of a popular movement. In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine held a referendum in which over 90% of voters chose independence [3]. This democratic process underscores Ukraine's legitimacy as a sovereign state.

Evidence

Several key pieces of evidence support the assertion that Ukraine is a legitimate nation-state:

1. Historical Continuity: Ukraine's history can be traced back to the Kievan Rus', which existed from the 9th to the 13th centuries. This early state laid the groundwork for the development of Ukrainian culture and identity [2][4].

2. Cultural Identity: The Ukrainian language and cultural practices have distinct roots that have developed independently of Russian influences. The emergence of a Ukrainian literary tradition in the 19th century further solidified this identity [1][2].

3. Political Sovereignty: Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, a decision overwhelmingly supported by its citizens in a national referendum. This act of self-determination is a cornerstone of Ukraine's status as a sovereign state [3][4].

4. International Recognition: Ukraine is recognized as a sovereign nation by the international community and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations [2]. Its borders and sovereignty are acknowledged by most countries worldwide.

5. Public Sentiment: Recent polling indicates that a significant majority of Ukrainians support their country's independence and sovereignty, particularly in light of ongoing aggression from Russia [1][3].

Conclusion

The claim that Ukraine is a fictional state is not only historically inaccurate but also politically motivated. It serves to undermine the legitimacy of Ukraine's sovereignty and the aspirations of its people. Ukraine has a rich history, a distinct cultural identity, and a recognized status as a sovereign nation. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, it is crucial to acknowledge and respect Ukraine's right to exist as an independent state.

References

1. Matthew Lenoe, "Fact-checking Putin's claims that Ukraine and Russia are 'one people'," University of Rochester News Center, March 3, 2022. Link
2. "Ukraine," Wikipedia, last modified October 2023. Link
3. Michael Schwirtz, "Putin Calls Ukrainian Statehood a Fiction. History Suggests Otherwise," The New York Times, August 27, 2022. Link
4. Björn Alexander Düben, "There is no Ukraine: Fact-Checking the Kremlin's Version of Ukrainian History," LSE Ideas, July 1, 2020. Link