On the Concept of Soviet Ukrainianization in Modern Ukrainian Science

Abstract

The article analyzes the perceptions of Soviet korenization/Ukrainianization in the nationalized version of Ukrainian history. The main focus is on the generalizing academic works of modern Ukrainian historians, which were written by professional historians during the last 30 years. The works of the Institute of History of Ukraine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine are analyzed. This institute is one of the leading scientific institutions and a partner of the state in the professional historical environment. The problem of Soviet Ukrainianization is extremely politicized and interpreted in the context of the nationalist narrative and the national liberation struggle. The basic principles of the concept of Soviet Ukrainianization are as follows: forced Ukrainianization due to the narrow base of the Bolshevik party in the republic, contradictory and inconsistent policy, and the leading role of national forces in promoting the Ukrainianization course. For a long time, the influence of Ukrainianization on the national and cultural development of Ukrainians was recognized. However, in the 2021 work entitled “Ukraine and Ukrainians in the post-imperial period (1917‒1939)” the Bolsheviks are denied any positive influence on the nation-forming processes in the Ukrainian SSR.

Received: 24.07.2024.
Revised: 03.03.2025.
Accepted: 18.03.2025.

Citation
Borisyonok E. Yu. On the Concept of Soviet Ukrainianization in Modern Ukrainian Science // Slavic Almanac. 2025. No 1–2. P. 82–104 (in Russian). DOI: 10.31168/2073-5731.2025.1-2.04