Why Ukraine matters with Yaroslav Hrytsak

“Ukraine has always followed its own path and has never allowed itself to be defined solely by external influences”, said Ukrainian historian Yaroslav Hrytsak during his lecture at THUAS. With his clear and thought‑provoking style, he informed a room full of students, staff, and visitors from across the country about Ukrainian identity and how it came into being. 

Ukrainian identity is not only about ethnicity or language, but about choices and shared values. “The Ukrainian people shape their own destiny, often under difficult circumstances. We are a people who organize ourselves and connect with one another, despite all challenges.” 

Collective self‑awareness 

According to Hrytsak, important moments such as the revolutions of 2004 (the Orange Revolution) and 2014 (Euromaidan) were not only political upheavals, but also moments of collective self‑awareness. “During these periods, Ukrainians made clear which values and future they wanted to embrace. These moments have a homogenizing effect: people experience more strongly who they are, what they share, and what they stand for. That is the essence of Ukrainian identity today.” 

Resilience 

Hrytsak offered us an inspiring perspective on how history, culture, and individual choices come together in the development of a nation. Not just for our Ukrainian students, but also for all who were present, it was a valuable lesson in identity, cooperation, and resilience.