Publicist Vitaliy Portnikov and journalist Maria Gurska engage in an open discussion on the evolution of Ukrainian identity under the impact of war. They compare the current state of society with Serhiy Plokhiy’s theories of identity based on attitudes toward the Holodomor, OUN-UPA legacy, “Leninopad,” and communist heritage.
According to Portnikov, today’s Ukrainian self-awareness is defined not only by historical memory, but primarily by the shared experience of trials—war, unity in striving to defend and develop the state. Identity, he notes, is not just a set of ideological positions but a deep, internal sense of belonging to a civilization, often awakened by love and collective experiences.
The discussion covers how Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 altered the criteria for self-identification. Where previously language, history, and religion were central, now the primary aspects are solidarity, defending statehood, and developing society regardless of place of residence or origin.
Portnikov and Gurska analyze regional differences within Ukraine, the influence of the Russian world, and the integration processes of internally displaced persons and the diaspora. They stress that modern identity is built on shared struggle, remembrance of heroes, readiness to defend the homeland, and the importance of a strong state in maintaining ties with Ukrainians abroad.
The conversation also addresses relations with Poland, the lives of Ukrainians abroad, and potential models for future integration. Parallels are drawn with the Jewish experience and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing common challenges for identity in a rapidly changing world.
The main factors of contemporary Ukrainian identity highlighted include the experience of shared struggle, the ability to defend and develop Ukraine, and a realistic outlook for the future. These, they argue, underpin the strength of Ukrainian society amid external and internal challenges.
