What Role Does Cultural Heritage Play in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict?
In February 2022, the Russian invasion of Ukraine shocked the world, disrupting decades of relative peace in Europe and reigniting debates about sovereignty, national identity, and geopolitics. While much of the discourse has focused on military strategy, energy dependencies, and NATO’s influence, very little has focused on the role of cultural heritage. This dimension has shaped the conflict and emphasizes why understanding culture is crucial to understanding global politics.
Ukraine and Russia’s historical and cultural connections run deep, with roots stretching back to the Kyivan Rus’ of the 9th–13th centuries, often regarded as the cradle of East Slavic civilization. Over centuries, their shared history included the Orthodox faith, language, and intertwined traditions. However, this common heritage also became a battleground of identity. Ukrainians often emphasize their distinctiveness and historical resistance to domination, whether under the Tsars, the Soviet Union, or modern-day Moscow. Conversely, Russian narratives frame Ukraine as an inseparable part of a greater "Russian World", which Vladimir Putin and others have invoked to justify claims over Ukrainian sovereignty.
This clash of interpretations became particularly visible after Ukraine declared independence in 1991. For Russians, this was a geopolitical rupture and a cultural and spiritual one. Putin’s insistence that Ukrainians and Russians are "one people" underscores a worldview in which shared cultural heritage necessitates political unity. Yet for many Ukrainians, the same shared past evokes memories of repression, most notably the Holodomor—a man-made famine in the 1930s that decimated millions under Stalin’s rule.
In the context of the invasion, cultural heritage has been weaponized by both sides. Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its broader aggression have often been framed as efforts to "protect" Russian-speaking populations and reclaim lands of historical importance. The Orthodox Church and the Russian language have been leveraged to bolster these claims, with pro-Kremlin narratives portraying Ukraine’s shift toward the West as a betrayal of its cultural roots. On the other hand, Ukraine has embraced its distinct identity as a rallying point for resistance. From the prominence of the Ukrainian language to the preservation of cultural monuments, Ukraine has reframed its heritage as a symbol of defiance against Russian domination. This battle over culture has added a profound layer to the conflict, making it not just a fight for territory but a struggle over the essence of identity.
The significance of this cultural clash extends beyond Eastern Europe. Across the world, conflicts over identity and heritage drive geopolitical disputes. The tension between China and Taiwan, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, and debates surrounding colonial legacies in Africa all illustrate the powerful influence of culture in shaping global events. These conflicts highlight how historical narratives, cultural symbols, and national identities can drive behavior on both the individual and state levels. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone hoping to make sense of global politics.
Failing to consider cultural contexts often leads to missteps in policy and diplomacy. In the case of Ukraine, early Western hesitance to fully grasp the cultural stakes may have delayed effective support for the country. At the same time, oversimplified portrayals of Russia’s motivations risk alienating the Russian population from the international community, further entrenching divisions.
Yet culture also holds the potential as a force for peace. While it can be divisive, shared heritage has often been a starting point for reconciliation and cooperation. After World War II, the European Union’s efforts to promote cultural solidarity across member states helped heal decades of animosity. Similarly, in the context of Ukraine and Russia, reframing cultural ties in a way that respects national sovereignty could eventually pave the way for dialogue and coexistence.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is not merely a geopolitical crisis; it is a cultural confrontation that underscores the urgency of understanding the deeper forces at play in world politics. As the war continues, the international community must not only support Ukraine’s political sovereignty but also its right to assert its cultural independence. Meanwhile, Russia faces the challenge of reconciling its national pride with respect for the identities of its neighbors. For the rest of us, recognizing the profound role of culture in this conflict—and in conflicts worldwide—offers a path toward more thoughtful and effective engagement with global challenges.
Ultimately, culture is not a backdrop to history but a driving force within it. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected yet fragmented, understanding these dynamics is no longer optional—it is essential. Beneath every headline lies a complex web of heritage, identity, and human experience, reminding us of the need for nuance in analyzing and addressing the crises of our time