Join us for a compelling live conversation recorded in Kyiv on January 29th with Volodymyr Yermolenko—president of PEN Ukraine, chief editor of UkraineWorld, and host of Kult:Podcast.
In this discussion, Yermolenko unpacks the complexities of Ukrainian identity, the historical context of Russian-Ukrainian relations, and the ongoing war. He explores themes of assimilation, imperialism, and the role of language in shaping national identity, while also analyzing how media narratives influence public perception.
📍 Recorded at the office of ICAP Yednannia
🎥 Filming & Editing: Vladyslav Mashkin, The Ukrainians Media
📢 Event Logistics & Communications: 9.Department & Veronika Kobzysta
🔍 Key Topics:
✅ The historical roots of Russian-Ukrainian relations
✅ How language shapes identity and assimilation
✅ The role of media in shaping war narratives
✅ The cultural stakes of Ukraine’s fight for identity
✅ What this means for Europe’s future
📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations on Ukraine, media, and global affairs.
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00:00 - Introduction
00:03:47 - Importance of memory and history in the Russian political project
00:04:32 - Discussion on the conscious effort to erase historical documents
00:05:26 - The symbolic significance of Chersones in Russian history
00:06:58 - The destruction of historical monuments in Crimea
00:08:04 - The role of legacy in European history
00:13:15 - The significance of language in shaping identity
00:14:41 - Language as a tool of imperialism and assimilation
00:20:58 - The challenge of conveying the reality of war to outsiders
00:28:56 - Discussion on genocide and reconciliation post-conflict
00:34:45 - The future of Europe and the rise of authoritarianism
00:50:20 - The balance between power and democracy in society
01:02:25 - The fight for Ukrainian identity as an anti-imperial struggle
01:06:26 - The role of culture in understanding and translating experiences
01:19:20 - The impact of media narratives on public perception
01:21:54 - Closing thoughts and reflections on the discussion