In London, a presentation of a global initiative to study the history of Ukraine was held, which provides for three significant scientific conferences, the publication of numerous scientific articles and archaeological excavations to restore historical justice in the interpretation of past Ukraine. The initiative announced by JSC “Ukrzaliznytsya” united about 90 international and Ukrainian historians in order to cover Ukraine in history in the world context, looking at ties with ancient Greeks, Byzantium and Vikings that influenced Kievan Rus.
Initiators, among whom of the history of Yale University, Timothy Snyder, plan to derive the history of Ukraine from the influence of Russian and Soviet narratives.
According to Snyder, the inclusion of Ukraine in the world historical picture can change the idea of key world events. The initiative has received support from Ukrainian oligarch Viktor Pinchuk, which finances the project for three years. According to him, it will be a large -scale initiative that will help to cover Ukraine's history at the world.
The project envisages three major scientific conferences, the publication of numerous scientific articles and archaeological excavations. This initiative arose long before the Russian invasion of Ukraine and aims to cover the role of the country in the history of the world, in particular, in the events of World War II.
The initiative participants note that the history of Ukraine should become a part of world history, considering its role in the formation of trade empories, relations with Byzantium and Vikings, as well as in the context of the events of World War II.
Timothy Snyder and Viktor Pinchuk decided not to comment on the financial details of the project, but they emphasized that the initiative would be completely independent of external influences. In addition, the project includes environmental and geographical aspects, starting with the prehistory of Ukraine.
The initiative has already received support from Karl Bildt, the former Prime Minister of Sweden, and other identified persons. Scientists hope that the project will help to move from marginalization of Ukrainian history to its recognition at the world level.
