This in-depth interview explores the value systems of Ukrainians and Russians, outlining core distinctions. Ukrainian identity is formed around a diminished role for the authorities, a heightened importance of family and individual self-reliance. Unlike the Russian tradition, where the state and ruler are central, Ukrainians focus on their families and innate sense of justice.
The conversation covers why attempts at Russification through the church did not succeed in Ukraine, and stresses the significance of recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine at the global level. The impact of the Moscow Patriarchate on identity is analyzed, with parallels to Irish and Belarusian experiences.
The interview discusses how Europe and the United States perceive Ukraine, Russian historical miscalculations, and the low likelihood of Ukraine losing its independence. Emphasis is placed on Ukraine’s future, the preservation of statehood, and the challenges facing a unified Ukrainian church.
