In this interview, journalist, writer, and TV host Ostap Drozdov discusses the underlying reasons behind the war in Ukraine, Ukrainophobic sentiment, the influence of Russian content, and the importance of preserving and defending the Ukrainian language.
Drozdov mentions the case of a Lviv native living in Norway who openly supports Putin, highlighting such instances as symptoms of enduring Russification and the spread of the so-called "Russkiy mir". He emphasizes that a lack of national identity among some citizens fuels the war, with Russian propaganda and destructive content influencing even Ukrainian youth.
Drozdov stresses the need for society to engage in internal dialogue and to analyze domestic challenges, not just blame an external enemy. He points out that some sabotage and internal crimes are committed not by outside agents, but by radicalized locals.
The interview touches on the complex attitude toward Iryna Farion and her legacy, as well as heightened Ukrainophobia among youth and politicians alike. Drozdov also references MP Maksym Buzhansky’s attempts to limit the Ukrainian language’s influence in the media space. He calls on society to actively protect its identity and language.
The conversation concludes with the necessity for internal analysis and resistance, not only against the external aggressor, but also against destructive tendencies and symbols within the country.
