Myth: Russians and Ukrainians are the same people.
Fact: While Russians and Ukrainians share some historical roots and cultural elements, they are distinct nations with their own language, culture, and identity. Ukraine has a long history as an independent nation, with its own unique traditions, language (Ukrainian), and cultural heritage, which differ significantly from Russia’s. Ukrainians have their own language, which is not just a dialect of Russian, but a fully developed Slavic language with its own grammar and vocabulary.
Russian propaganda often uses this myth to justify aggression, claiming that Ukrainians are just “Russians” and thus do not deserve independence or sovereignty. However, Ukraine’s identity as a separate nation has been firmly established for centuries. Ukrainians have always fought for their independence, including during the struggles for independence in the early 20th century, the Orange Revolution in 2004, and the Revolution of Dignity in 2014.
The myth of “sameness” is a tool of Russian imperialism, trying to erase Ukraine’s distinct identity and sovereignty. Ukrainians, like all nations, have the right to self-determination and to preserve their unique cultural and national identity.