The Horrors of The Holodomor: One of Many Reasons Why Ukraine Does Not Want To Live in the Kremlin's Shadow

Introduction

There are many reasons why Ukraine does not want to be a part of Russia's imperialistic vision, but I want to concentrate on one of them. There is an abundance of disinformation/misinformation being actively disseminated on social media at the moment that is meant to disparage Ukraine: This information is an active information warfare campaign by Russia to obscure its illegal invasion of another sovereign nation (OECD, 2022).

The Holodomor, a human-made famine/genocide that occurred in Ukraine between 1932 and 1933, is a haunting chapter in the country's history. This article explores the horrors of the Holodomor and its lasting impact on Ukraine, shedding light on why the nation strives to distance itself from the Kremlin's shadow.

Fact-check the sources cited in this article: read the stories of survivors, shake off the shackles of disinformation/misinformation, and then tell me that Ukraine should capitulate to Russia. Would you?

Understanding the Holodomor

What was the Holodomor?

The Holodomor, derived from the Ukrainian words "holod" (meaning hunger) and "moryty" (meaning to induce suffering), refers to the intentional famine inflicted upon Ukraine by the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin's rule. Soviet policies, including forced collectivization and grain confiscation, aimed to suppress Ukrainian nationalism and control the agricultural sector. As a result, an estimated seven to ten million Ukrainians perished from starvation and related causes.

The Holodomor's Impact on Ukraine

Ukraine's Painful Memory

The Holodomor left indelible scars on the Ukrainian people. Beyond the staggering death toll, the famine caused immense suffering, eroded social bonds, and shattered communities. Survivors and subsequent generations carry the emotional trauma, fueling a collective memory that continues to shape Ukraine's identity.

The Holodomor also had lasting demographic and cultural consequences. The loss of millions of lives led to a significant population decline and altered the ethnic composition of Ukraine. Moreover, the famine aimed to suppress Ukrainian culture and language, further straining the nation's heritage.

Ukraine's Struggle for Independence

Seeking Freedom from the Kremlin's Shadow

Ukraine's desire for independence dates back centuries, with the Holodomor acting as a pivotal event that strengthened the nation's resolve to break free from Russia's grip. The Holodomor, deliberately engineered by the Soviet regime, solidified the Ukrainian people's determination to establish their own sovereign state, free from the shackles of the Kremlin's influence.

Political Tensions between Ukraine and Russia

Escalating Tensions

The relationship between Ukraine and Russia remains fraught with political tensions. Recent conflicts, such as the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, have exacerbated the deep-rooted animosity between the two nations. The Holodomor, serving as a historical backdrop of Ukrainian resistance against Russian dominance and cruelty, fuels the Ukrainian people's determination to defend their territorial integrity and national identity. In effect, the Holodomor lives on in the Ukrainian Zeitgeist.

Economic Independence and Integration with Europe

Towards Economic Self-Determination

Ukraine's pursuit of economic independence plays a pivotal role in distancing itself from Russia. The country seeks to reduce its dependence on Russian markets and resources, which have historically exerted influence and control. Strengthening trade relations with Europe and diversifying economic partnerships allows Ukraine to break free from the Kremlin's economic shadow. The trauma of the Holodomor reinforces the urgency and determination behind these efforts.

Cultural and Linguistic Revival

Preserving Ukraine's Heritage

The Holodomor has also fueled a cultural and linguistic revival in Ukraine. The Ukrainian people, recognizing the importance of preserving their heritage, have embraced a resurgence of Ukrainian language, traditions, and values. This cultural renaissance serves as a counterbalance to Russian cultural influence and underscores the nation's commitment to safeguarding its unique identity.

International Recognition and Awareness

Shining a Light on the Holodomor

Efforts to raise global awareness about the Holodomor have gained significant traction in recent years. Countries worldwide, recognizing the Holodomor as a genocide, have officially acknowledged this tragic event. The international recognition of the Holodomor not only honours the memory of its victims but also helps shape Ukraine's perception in the global arena, highlighting the country's struggle for independence and resilience.

The Holodomor and Ukrainian-Russian Relations Today

A Lingering Shadow

The Holodomor casts a long shadow over Ukrainian-Russian relations that go above and beyond the current war and war crimes visited on the people of Ukraine once again: It haunts their zeitgeist. The collective memories are so fresh that many Ukrainians who suffered the Holodomor first-hand are still alive. Historical grievances, including the deliberate famine, have fueled deep-rooted mistrust between the two nations. Ukraine views Russia's actions, such as the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022, as a continuation of historical attempts to exert control and exterminate Ukrainian identity.

References

OECD. (n.d.). 3 November 2022. Disinformation and Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine. Retrieved 8 July 2023, from https://www.oecd.org/ukraine-hub/policy-responses/disinformation-and-russia-s-war-of-aggression-against-ukraine-37186bde/

OECD PDF version. (n.d.). 3 November 2022. Disinformation and Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine: Threats and governance responses. Retrieved 8 July 2023, from https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/deliver/37186bde-en.pdf?itemId=%2Fcontent%2Fpaper%2F37186bde-en&mimeType=pdf

Common Lies about the Holodomor. Ukra?ner. (1 November 2020). Retrieved 8 July 2023, from https://ukrainer.net/common-lies-about-the-holodomor/

Yuzefyk, K. (28 October 2020). What is the Holodomor? Ukra?ner. Retrieved 8 July 2023, from https://ukrainer.net/what-is-the-holodomor/

How does the Holodomor influence Ukraine today? Ukra?ner. (2 November 2020). Retrieved 8 July 2023, from https://ukrainer.net/holodomor-influence-ukraine/

Kravchenko, K. (4 October 2020). Never take what is not yours, not even during the Holodomor. Ukra?ner. Retrieved 8 July 2023, from https://ukrainer.net/marfa-kovalenko-holodomor/

Holodomor: The Ukrainian Genocide. (2023). Retrieved 8 July 2023, from https://cla.umn.edu/chgs/holocaust-genocide-education/resource-guides/holodomor