Head Of UINR Discusses How Ukrainians' Understanding Of“Victory” Is Changing

(MENAFN- UkrinForm) Ukraine differs strikingly from the Russian Federation in its understanding of the concept of“victory” and its attitude toward the relevant dates.

This was stated in an interview with Ukrinfor by Oleksandr Alfyorov, head of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance (UINR).

“In the Russian Federation, Victory Day is a 'Prazdnik [holiday] with tears in eyes.' 'Prazdnik.' But a holiday of what? Obviously, the origins of the Russian word 'prazdnik' and the Ukrainian word 'sviato' are completely different. 'Sviato' is about 'holiness' and 'the sacred,' while 'prazdnik' comes from the word 'prazdnost,' meaning 'idleness.'“We simply cannot understand how they go out and celebrate the deaths of their parents or children,” Alfyorov stated.

He explained that the UINR's activities over the years have been aimed at highlighting the European dimension of May 8–9-the“end of one of the most terrible wars.”

“And today, Ukrainians have clearly come to understand that there will be only one victory for Ukraine-the victory yet to come. And from this, people are already asking: what exactly was this Victory Day? Since 2014, we have seen how the situation has been escalating, that this 'Victory Day' is a central myth of the Russian world, and it has become clear to Ukrainians that this is not our day, that it is fabricated and is an element of Russian propaganda,” noted the head of the UINR, adding that previously, during secondary education, no other perspective on May 8–9 was taught, but“Ukrainians are highly capable of adaptation and self-education.”

Read also: Ukraine cannot stay solely on defensive when it comes to national remembrance - head of UINR

“And today we see how even older people have begun to understand that victory cannot be a cause for celebration against the backdrop of such great human sacrifice. That is why tremendous changes in people's consciousness are taking place in Ukraine today. We support this through exhibitions, books, and advocacy projects,” said Alfyorov.

As reported, in an interview with Ukrinform, Oleksandr Alfyorov stated that the ancestral homeland of many indigenous peoples of Ukraine is once again under enemy occupation, which represents yet another tragedy in their history.

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