How Do Ukrainians Perceive Russians in Today's Context?

The relationship between Ukrainians and Russians has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. Once interconnected through their shared history and Soviet-era ties, the two nations have drifted apart, especially since the events of 2014. This article explores how Ukrainians view Russians today and what factors have influenced these changing perceptions.

The Evolution of Ukrainian-Russian Relations

Before 2014, the relationship between Ukrainians and Russians was marked by a complex blend of tension and cooperation. Many Ukrainian families had extended relatives and friends in Russia, a consequence of the internationalistic spirit that characterized the former Soviet republics. My own family’s history is a perfect example of this interconnectedness. My grandparents moved frequently throughout the various Soviet republics, creating a network of relationships that spanned Ukraine, Russia, and Lithuania.

In the period from 1991 to 2014, the post-Soviet relationship allowed for considerable flexibility, with no visa requirements for border crossings and a general sense of unity and shared history. Russians and Ukrainians were not just neighbors; they were often family and friends. However, events such as the Russian intervention in Crimea and the subsequent rise of separatist movements in Donbass marked a turning point in relations. Following these events, the once-friendly rapport was replaced with a tremendous deterioration.

Shifts in Perceptions

The intervention in Crimea and the havoc wreaked by separatist movements in Donbass, coupled with the incendiary anti-Ukrainian media campaigns in Russian media, significantly altered the landscape of Ukrainian-Russian relationships. These events sparked a war of misinformation and sentiment. For instance, a beloved cousin from Moscow, someone who spent a significant part of his life with me, suddenly began posting pictures of monkeys with guns, paired with Ukrainian flags, to affirm his position that we were entering a feral state. My grandmother, who experienced the brutality of the Soviet labor camps and survived World War II, was so fearful of the situation that she couldn’t fathom my desire to travel to Lviv for my MA studies. She worried that “benderovtsy” were everywhere, and I, as a Russian-speaking Ukrainian, would be their next victim. This was despite my safe experiences in Lviv.

As the war escalated in 2022, the divide widened. Almost all of my Russian relatives supported the invasion, with only one showing a level of tolerance. This final blow severed the last remaining ties between our communities. It became clear that the millennials and later generations of Russians had developed a perspective that disregarded historical ties and saw Ukrainians as enemies. The walls of war and hostility were more than physical; they were emotional and ideological.

Conclusion

In summary, the Ukrainian perception of Russians has shifted drastically over the last few decades. From the shared history of the Soviet era to the deep divides of today, it’s clear that the relationship is no longer as easy to bridge. The current context paints a picture of mutual suspicion and hostility. However, it is important to remember that this is a complex issue with no single answer. There are still some connections that remain, but the perceived necessity of fortifying borders, both physical and ideological, shows the extent to which the divide has become entrenched.

As for the future, the question of whether Russians are viewed as foreigners by Ukrainians is more than just a legal or demographic one. It is a testament to the impact of recent history and the enduring legacy of propaganda on public perception. The walls created in the minds of individuals are difficult to dismantle, but dialogue and understanding can still play a vital role in fostering future cooperation and reconciliation.