at Home: Lecture | Post-Colonial Ukraine: The Meanings of Resistance

Timothy Snyder, Richard C. Levin Professor of History, Yale University
About this program
"Marc Quinn: History Painting +," at the Yale Center for British Art from May 20 through October 16, 2022, presents six works by the British artist Marc Quinn, whose "History Painting" series reimagines iconic news photographs. One of these large-scale photorealist canvases, "History Painting (Kiev [Kyiv], 22 January 2014), YGORBW" is a depiction of Vasily Maximov’s photograph of the burning “battlefield” of Kyiv published in "Time" magazine in 2014. This lecture provides an overview of the history of Ukraine to help contextualize the current conflict. Martina Droth, Deputy Director and Chief Curator, will moderate the Q&A.
About Timothy Snyder
Snyder is the Richard C. Levin Professor of History at Yale University and a permanent fellow at the Institute for Human Sciences in Vienna. His books include "Nationalism, Marxism, and Modern Central Europe: A Biography of Kazimierz Kelles-Krauz" (1998); "The Reconstruction of Nations: Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, 1569-1999" (2003);  "Sketches from a Secret War: A Polish Artist’s Mission to Liberate Soviet Ukraine" (2005); " The Red Prince: The Secret Lives of a Habsburg Archduke"  (2008);" Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin " (2010); Thinking the Twentieth Century (with Tony Judt, 2012);  "Black Earth: The Holocaust as History and Warning"  (2015);  "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century"  (2017); "The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America"  (2018); and "Our Malady: Lessons on Liberty from a Hospital Diary" (2020). Snyder’s work has appeared in forty languages and has received numerous prizes. He has appeared in documentaries, on network television, and in major films. His books have inspired poster campaigns and exhibitions, films, sculpture, a punk rock song, a rap song, a play, and an opera. His words are quoted in political demonstrations around the world. He is currently finishing a philosophical book about freedom.
This program is presented through the generosity of the Terry F. Green 1969 Fund for British Art and Culture.
Image: Photo of Timothy Snyder, Jiri Zerzon for Hospodarske noviny

[@nadiiashyshkovska]

I am from Ukraine, Zhytomyr and was listening this lecture while sitting in a shelter with my daughter as we have sirens, ‘cause russia bombs our cities everyday. This is my personal cost for wanting my children raise in Europe and never come back to totalitarian/autocratic human-hatred regimes, as ussr was. I am fully agree on the whole points about Ukraine’s history and moreover - Ukraine’s future. This war is about russian imperialism (they want to rebuild ussr) which now is testing and fighting democratic integration in face of EU and the whole west civilized world. Ukraine, civilized democratic world, me and my family should stand and win. If not, what then?

[@tonyv5202]

unfortunately you have an unrealistic view of Europe and the west. It's not a fantasy land of your dreams it's the world of have and have nots and ultra rich and homeless.

[@mikkeljannssen3779]

And, I'm listin while I'm fighting with THE Great Red Army in Stalingrad and blowing all nazis to hell or in mariupol?! 😜

[@galynaprylutska6253]

@@tonyv5202 he has absoutey realistic view of the alternative, what you don't.

[@stefanb6539]

I wish you luck. I wish Ukraine luck. I wish Europe luck. I wish Russians the opportunity to learn more about themselves by losing this war.

[@workingproleinc.676]

@@galynaprylutska6253 Sure he has,the ritch west Ukis are here,the poor smucks are in trenches. This is his Alternative

[@SRAKAMOTYKA]

One of few guys in the world beyond Ukraine who really knows what is Ukraine and who are Ukrainians

[@puiip3605]

And he helped us to learn almost everything, about Ukraine and her people

[@taracheema1201]

ë⁹de is ë⁷⁷ý⁸⁷⁷⁷7⁷7⁷oooioëooòoëd1

[@marjorjorietillman856]

One of the top brains of our day. And that includes the ins and outs of the U.S. political system!

[@miriamewaskio793]

Absolutely! I'm so grateful to discover him as my paternal grandparents emmigrated from Ternopil Oblast and I grew uo in America not knowing so much that he so brilliantly enlightens.

[@user-tq6hj8bh9y]

All of the world are idiots....On that we agree. o_O

[@galynamcfarland]

I was born in Sevastopol 1967. 'm listening from Poland. Thank you professor Timothy for your so important lectures.

[@stolly27]

I never knew Ukraine before 2014 when I saw their revolution on maidan in the news. Then I forgot about Ukraine and now Ukraine is every day on my mind. I never thought I will be influenced by the Ukrainian people and their courage. I never thought I will shed a tear on a country that I never knew but today I am Ukrainian maybe not by blood but by heart. like before, the Yazidis lost their land and their lives to the terrorist. The Kurds are fighting for their identity. The Ukrainians are fighting for their existence. These are the bravest people in the world.

[@miriamewaskio793]

Absolutely, me too. Even as half Ukrainian by my paternal grandparents who emmigrated to U.S. from Ukraine, I didn't know so much of Professor Timothy Snyder's Ukrainian history.

[@Anyname345]

Thank you

[@mariuspopescu6089]

Then you might not know that the Ukrainians shelled their own Russian speaking population in the Donbass from 2014 on, that tens of Ukrainian pro-Russian journalists were murdered, that independent televisions were closed and political parties other than the one of dictator Zelenski outlawed, that Ukraine repeatedly refused to observe the terms of the Minsk II agreement they had signed and MOST IMPORTANTLY, that Ukraine is not fighting against ”the Russians”, but against its own Russian speaking population supported by the Russians. These facts may change your ideas a little bit.

[@mariuspopescu6089]

And, by the way, Maidan was a bloody and illegal coup against a democratically elected regime, which brought in the forefront of Ukrainians politics racist and violent groups, like Azov, Right Sector etc. etc.

[@miriamewaskio793]

@@mariuspopescu6089 Pure Putin propaganda and false history of Maidan. They threw out the Russian Putin puppet who was falsely portrayed when elected as pro Ukraine total independence from Putin control and then when once in showed who he really was just another Putin puppet an corrupt. A traitor to the Ukrainian people. Paul Manifort helped create his false pro Ukraine image to get him elected on those false grounds and false persona.

[@hugolena111]

I’m Ukrainian, now living in Kyiv. From the depths of my heart I want to thank Mr. Snyder for telling the truth about us to the world 💗🙏 I just hope more people would understand our complicated history and our struggle to be independent 💗

[@George-2115]

I'm a Pole, living in Canada, and I agree with you completely. Polish history makes no sense without an understanding of Ukrainian history. The same is true for a history of the holocaust, of WWII, of the cold war. Now, the possibilities for a better future for the world depend on understanding the history of Ukraine. My grandmother was a Pole, but she was born in Kyiv. She spoke Ukrainian (and Polish, Russian and French). She named my father Bohdan. He grew up never really understanding why. Now it is so clear to me. After WWI some people realized that the only way to guarantee a free, independent and democratic Poland was to insure a similarly free Ukraine. That didn't happen, and so Poland lasted for only 20 years. Now we see that the only way to have a free, independent and democratic Russia is also be having an independent Ukraine. It's a particular tragedy that Ukrainians are fighting for the right of Russia to have a future.

[@tonyv5202]

How is being used in a proxy war by the US, getting in gigantic debt while getting destroyed being independent? Can't you see they have totally manipulated your hatred of Russians and used it against you?

[@George-2115]

@@tonyv5202 How is being killed, raped, and having your culture destroyed better than asking for help? The whole world doesn't revolve around the US. Russia was an expanding empire that practised genocide before the US even existed.

[@George-2115]

@@tonyv5202 You are only partly right. Yes, the US largely doesn't really care about Ukraine. I am a mixture of Polish, Russian and Ukrainian. My great grandfather was a Russian general, and I speak Russian. I care about Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy is a Russian speaker from the east of Ukraine who was elected to end the war with Russia. He was willing to give up territory and NATO membership for guaranteed independence. When the US said that Russia was going to invade virtually nobody in Ukraine or Poland, nor even I thought it would happen. It was a crazy idea. But the US was right. The only explanation is that Putin was crazy, that he believed in some fairy tale. So, now people realize that he is willing to commit genocide, and may even be willing to start a nuclear war. He is more dangerous than Kim Jong Un or the Ayatollah. That is the only reason that the West AND the East are united in trying to contain him. Otherwise they would be happy to let Ukraine go just for some cheap gas. That is why he has already lost. Russia is unravelling. More Russians have left in a couple of weeks than Americans left the US in the 20 years of the Vietnam war. Putin has single-handidly destroyed Russian prospects for a couple of generations. Nobody will sleep peacefully until he is gone.

[@christosswc]

During your "struggle" to be independent at which point did you start believing that violently suppressing the Russian speaking population of Ukraine was OK? What do you have to say to your government for deliberately "failing" to respect the Minsk agreement? No one feels sorry for you. Instead of finding common ground with Russia you have chosen to become a proxy for US's geopolitical hunger. Good luck.

[@user-gw9sv4oy5g]

I am from Lviv Ukraine. I've been listening Professor 's lectures from Yale university (10 so far). I enjoy these lectures very much . Thank you!

[@ianmarshall9144]

I am number 7 , its been an enlightening set of lectures so far , stay safe and lets hope you prevail against the totalitarian dictator and his evil sadistic army x

[@lesjendryk1470]

@@ianmarshall9144 You calling Zelensky democrat? You have been twisted by propaganda.😂

[@anthonyesweeney]

I bought a Bumper Fun Pack of Timothy Snyder books, On Tyranny, the Road to Unfreedom, and Bloodlands. I have yet to read that last one (I went in size order). I had already read a fat chunk of this history from other authors, but dear God am I humbled by this man's erudition.

[@robbie_]

Bloodlands was one of the most horrific books I've ever read. It's not even fiction.

[@anthonyesweeney]

@@robbie_: I'm now a good chunk of the way through Bloodlands. It's not a light read, and my folks are from Ireland, which has its own dark history.

[@khazzar1]

Whenever I watch Professor Snyder , he really gives me a lot to think about and reflect on. I am so grateful for his videos and content

[@andrewbeva930]

thanks a lot from the Ukrainian people. Professor really knows what he is talking about. Subtle things about Ukrainians that mainly only Ukrainians can feel and know. Thanks a lot from Ukraine, Odesa.

[@anastasiiazdorikova]

I've just binged half of Prof. Snyder's talks on KZbin, and every time I feel like I'm gaining more and more verbal and rhetorical armour and weapons to talk about my Ukraine with various people, who are oblivious to it's history and to our society. I really appreciate your hard work, Professor, and your careful appreciation of us💙💛

[@denys2388]

He definitely deeply understands Ukrainian history, what is Ukraine now and Ukrainians in general Very well made presentation

[@johnryskamp2943]

No, you silly ass. He's a fucked up fool.

[@peterjensen3076]

He is definately selling the western version of Ukraine very well to the willing.

[@jensensander]

Thank you for making us all wiser about Ukraine and the world. This is so important!

[@proshacot]

Thank you for willing to learn more about Ukraine. There are so many countries and small nations that Russia constantly overshadows.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Ukraine has never been a colony of Russia. The modern territory of Ukraine has always been part of Russia and the people living there called themselves Russians. Geographically, these lands were divided into Little Russia and Novorossiya. Nikolaev, Odessa, Kharkov, etc. were founded and created by Russian Tsars. Russian Russian chronicles of those times call Kiev the mother of Russian cities, as the first major Russian city. The concept of Ukrainian as a nationality was artificially introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Russian Russian word Ukraine itself means the outskirts of the Russian lands, as a designation of border lands. This is a territorial term, so called different lands of Russia, but this does not mean that those who lived there were not Russians. It's like saying. that the inhabitants of California are not Americans, but Californians by nationality, or the inhabitants of Thuringia are not Germans but Thuringians by nationality. Study history, and. listen to propagandists and scoundrels like Timothy Snyder, who work against Russia by distorting history.

[@lenas6246]

@@basilklochkov9194 clown

[@nikkivieler3761]

He most certainly has a deep understanding of the east, in particular Ukraine... Great presentation!

[@lilyrudnytska5421]

This is beyond just being a lecture. It's an art form in the sense of the power it exercises over your mind, heart and soul. I still consider it to be a miracle that there's such a voice in the Anglo-Saxon world to represent Ukrainians as Timothy Snyder's.

[@heraldgrajdanin2581]

Why do say, “in the Anglo-Saxon world”?

[@joshuahorton-campbell3554]

@@heraldgrajdanin2581 They are probably Russian -- apparently its an (extremely and weirdly racialized) way that Russians refer to the West. My understanding is that how the term is used politically is, good=Russia while bad/evil=anglo-saxon (the West). My guess is that the commenter is a Russian that is using the term out of ignorance of how offensive that phrase is to non-Russian ears.

[@cudanmang_theog]

Anglo Saxon or judeo-Anglo are just Russian nationalist racialization of the Anglosphere aka UK, US, Australia, Canada

[@cudanmang_theog]

Judeo-Anglo-Saxon world domination conspiracy theory (AngloxJudeo op), British israelism, etc

[@tonyv5202]

@@joshuahorton-campbell3554 offensive what are you on about. That term is used all the time in Anglo Saxon countries to refer to themselves.

[@yulka2325]

Timothy Shyder, дякую! Thanks for everything you do for Ukraine and it's image for ppl in the world

[@chicagofineart9546]

You just amaze me Professor. I thought I knew a lot about Eastern Europe but you summarize history so seamlessly. What you explain is the difference between facts and knowledge or truth and wisdom.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Facts about the artificial education, which is called Ukraine. KHARKIV is a Russian city. It was founded in the 1630s. Little Russians who fled from the Poles from the right bank of the Dnieper settled there. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich built a fortress there and founded the Kharkov Voivodeship in 1656. And here is some kind of Ukraine? SUMY - was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich no later than 1655. The tsar allowed refugees-Little Russians, who were killed by Poles, to settle there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? POLTAVA was in the XVII century the center of pro-Russian Little Russia. For this, the traitor Hetman Vygovsky (something like the current Nicknames and Yatsenyukov) attacked the city and sold its inhabitants into slavery to the Crimean Tatars. DNEPROPETROVSK - was founded by Catherine II in 1776 and was called Yekaterinoslav. LUGANSK - was founded in 1795, when Catherine II founded an iron foundry on the Lugan River. To work on it, people from the central and north-western provinces of Russia came to live in Lugansk. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KHERSON - was founded by Catherine II in 1778 for the construction of the Russian fleet. The construction was carried out by Potemkin. DONETSK - was founded by Alexander II in 1869 during the construction of a metallurgical plant in Yuzovka. What does Ukraine have to do with it? NIKOLAEV - was founded by Catherine II in 1789. At that time, Potemkin was building the ship "Saint Nicholas" there. What does Ukraine have to do with it at all? ODESSA - was founded by Catherine II in 1794 on the site of a fortress built a little earlier by Suvorov. What does Ukraine have to do with it? CHERNIHIV is one of the oldest Russian cities, it existed at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1503, it became part of Russia. In 1611, the Poles destroyed it and took this territory from the Russians. But in 1654 Chernigov returned to Russia and since then has always been an integral part of it. The question is: what does Ukraine have to do with it? SIMFEROPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1784. It was built by Potemkin on the site of the Suvorov military camp and next to the Tatar settlement. Moreover, Ukraine is here, no scientist can say. SEVASTOPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1783 on the site of a fortress built earlier by Suvorov. Potemkin built the city. What does Ukraine have to do with it? MARIUPOL - was founded in 1778 by Catherine II. She settled Greek immigrants from the Crimea there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KRIVOY ROG - was founded by Catherine II in 1775. What does Ukraine have to do with it? ZAPOROZHYE - was founded by Catherine II in 1770 and was called Alexandrovsky. KIROVOGRAD - was founded in 1754 by the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was called Elisavetgrad.

[@chicagofineart9546]

@@basilklochkov9194 ALL of these cities, towns, "Okrug" were well established BEFORE the russian imperial seizures. Your russian "history" is a joke. And I think I know it better than you. I used to be a Russophile myself until I began to look at things from Kyiv instead of Moscow. Now I have nothing but contempt for imperialism, no matter who's driving the tank.

[@basilklochkov9194]

@@chicagofineart9546 I have given the historical data of who founded these cities and when. And you can bark as you like. Do not try to invent and rewrite history. I myself come from Russia, I have a lot of relatives in Ukraine and I know perfectly well how things are. And who are you to teach me the history of my country? Take care of your country.

[@lesjendryk1470]

@@basilklochkov9194 you have got pointed 👍🤝

[@wladekhanczar]

Ukraine is an independent state. In XI century Kiev was same size 40 000 population city as London or Paris, Moscow was just a small village...This is absolutely great interview whit Professor Timothy Snyder, excellent expert of Middle East Europe history...everyone word is true... I'm appreciate and grateful for Professor Snyder for support democracy and rule of law in Poland and Ukraine for many years. Professor Timothy Snyder of Yale University is one of the smartest people I have listened to, read and learn from, and if political leaders had listened to Professor Snyder's advice, our world would have been much better, safer, fairer ... Thank you very much... Slava wolnej Ukrainie !

[@marlowc2324]

This may be the best lecture I’ve heard from you. Thank you!

[@marlowc2324]

Really so so so good

[@George-2115]

I have watched dozens and dozens. Yes, some are presentations of similar material to different audiences. But they have all been worth watching, and after every other one I have that same feeling, "this may be the best lecture I've heard from you".

[@mariaorlyk2582]

Listening you from Ukraine, gorgeous conversation, grateful for this!

[@mariyavelychko2697]

Thank you Mr.Snyder for your work and for the fascinating talk. You are not only educating western world about Ukraine, but also reminding us, Ukrainians about lessons from history. I am also watching your Yale course on nation formation and love it.

[@dutchangle229]

Half way through the lecture, the description of what makes Ukraine a country, made me think of North America before the pilgrims. Rich lands, inhabited by diverse peoples, not making a single nation, yet clearly distinct. Hope the Ukrainian peoples have a better future.

[@shadetreader]

Ukraine will have a better future when they stop criminalising communists and stamp out the neo-nazis currently infesting the country.

[@jetv1471]

@icky Vicky you have a difficult situation but don’t give up !!

[@tnndll4294]

Native Americans conquered each other. they were tribalists. So were whites.

[@crhu319]

LOL the Banderites are the equivalent of white supremacy in Asia.

[@crhu319]

@IncreaseRussophobia Taiwan is part of China. If it can separate so can Crimea.

[@user-eu2sk5pm6q]

I love this lecture. It would be great if you included some evidence of the continuity of Ukrainian culture in your lectures. There is a group in Ukraine called Козацька хорея, who play Ukrainian songs that are hundreds years old, they’re on youtube. Sometimes just listening to that music and lyrics expresses so much of what Ukraine is that words and arguments can’t. Music is another treasure of Ukraine, just like its black soil, but less tangible to the outsiders.

[@pynn1000]

Timothy Snyder 1st year Yale Lectures on Ukraine on youtube weekly, weeks 1-3 already out. Continuity, and the lack of connection between Kyivan Rus and Muscovy established in week 3, important for culture. Snyder managed to get to Kyiv and back in a week between #2 and #3.

[@sylwiatime]

I think what is so self evident in our respective cultures (I'm from Poland) may be not easily understandable to Westerners. When I see people dancing the hopak I don't need to think twice to know it's Ukrainian but for many Westerners it might seem Russian. Just as people think of the Russian ballet as a Russian culture and I see Polish dances performed by Russian dancers. Russia has been stealing from our cultures for ages and so it's difficult to use them as an evidence of our self determination. But I hope time will come when people will know better, just as they can tell the tango from flamenco. BTW I once asked a Ukrainian friend if he could give an example of a Russian dance. He couldn't think of any. Maybe you know one?

[@kopyloffandrew]

Thank you so much, professor! Щиро дякую!

[@Galinka9]

Thank you for such a precious video. I'd also like to thank Mr.Snyder for sharing true historical facts about Ukraine in the West. Unfortunately, there are lots of myths and lies about Ukraine that are based on Russian propaganda/imperial narratives. I hope your lectures and videos will help people around the world learn more about my country.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Facts about the artificial education, which is called Ukraine. KHARKIV is a Russian city. It was founded in the 1630s. Little Russians who fled from the Poles from the right bank of the Dnieper settled there. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich built a fortress there and founded the Kharkov Voivodeship in 1656. And here is some kind of Ukraine? SUMY - was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich no later than 1655. The tsar allowed refugees-Little Russians, who were killed by Poles, to settle there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? POLTAVA was in the XVII century the center of pro-Russian Little Russia. For this, the traitor Hetman Vygovsky (something like the current Nicknames and Yatsenyukov) attacked the city and sold its inhabitants into slavery to the Crimean Tatars. DNEPROPETROVSK - was founded by Catherine II in 1776 and was called Yekaterinoslav. LUGANSK - was founded in 1795, when Catherine II founded an iron foundry on the Lugan River. To work on it, people from the central and north-western provinces of Russia came to live in Lugansk. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KHERSON - was founded by Catherine II in 1778 for the construction of the Russian fleet. The construction was carried out by Potemkin. DONETSK - was founded by Alexander II in 1869 during the construction of a metallurgical plant in Yuzovka. What does Ukraine have to do with it? NIKOLAEV - was founded by Catherine II in 1789. At that time, Potemkin was building the ship "Saint Nicholas" there. What does Ukraine have to do with it at all? ODESSA - was founded by Catherine II in 1794 on the site of a fortress built a little earlier by Suvorov. What does Ukraine have to do with it? CHERNIHIV is one of the oldest Russian cities, it existed at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1503, it became part of Russia. In 1611, the Poles destroyed it and took this territory from the Russians. But in 1654 Chernigov returned to Russia and since then has always been an integral part of it. The question is: what does Ukraine have to do with it? SIMFEROPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1784. It was built by Potemkin on the site of the Suvorov military camp and next to the Tatar settlement. Moreover, Ukraine is here, no scientist can say. SEVASTOPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1783 on the site of a fortress built earlier by Suvorov. Potemkin built the city. What does Ukraine have to do with it? MARIUPOL - was founded in 1778 by Catherine II. She settled Greek immigrants from the Crimea there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KRIVOY ROG - was founded by Catherine II in 1775. What does Ukraine have to do with it? ZAPOROZHYE - was founded by Catherine II in 1770 and was called Alexandrovsky. KIROVOGRAD - was founded in 1754 by the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was called Elisavetgrad.

[@sylwiatime]

@@basilklochkov9194 I guess if you can resurrect the peoples who lived there at the time of the city's founding they'd be free to vote if they'd like to be Russian or Ukrainian. However, based on your own comment, they might rather be choosing between Ukrainian and German. After all Catherine II was German, no?

[@elenas7819]

The reason half of Ukraine speak moskovian is due to the centuries long aggressive de-ukrainization (denazification in putin language) and intensive russification. Ukrainian language was systematically banned and censored throughout the course of tsarist, imperial and soviet regimes. Ukrainians have been persecuted, starved through multiple famines caused by the moskov regime, removed from their native land and sent to gulags in Siberia and far east, and replaced by the moskovite lumpenproletariat masses who were never meant to assimilate in Ukraine, let alone, learn Ukrainian. It was all intentional, so the russists can now claim that there's no Ukraine. "Russian-speaking Ukrainians" is a myth, just another term manufactured by the NKVD/kremlin propaganda aimed to continue the genocide of the Ukrainian people, their language, culture and traditions. "Russian-speaking Ukrainian" is just another pretext for kremlin gnome to "liberate russian-speaking people" who, for some reason, refuse to move back to their historical lands of the moskovite swamps. moskov language in Ukraine is now associated with terror and death. Ukrainian language has always been the most lethal weapon against moskov horde; it's a miracle it's still flourishing and not extinguished like, for instance, Belarusian in Belarus.

[@kerrigrandmaison2474]

Yes if they take your language they can prevent you from communicating and organizing. Slava Ukraini

[@user-un9eo6rj1t]

Completely agree!

[@sana3843]

The past is not going to change, but we are where we are today. They wanted to kill our language, but as a result all of us speak at least 2, and most of them only know 1. From where I stand it makes most of us twice richer both culturally and spiritually and a little more open minded.

[@hailstorm7868]

I am an IT professional in Kyiv. Most of my coworkers speak russian as a first language, but every single one raises their kids as Ukrainian speakers only. They all try as hard as they can to isolate children from russian language. I think we have a bright future.

[@Oshowski]

@@hailstorm7868 beautiful, you do need to take this argument away from those Facist Imperialists for Ever.

[@helengauhberg]

Wonderful lecture, thank you , professor! It is very important to understand, define and embrace our identity as Ukrainians, because for many it was diluted during USSR being in power. We need to bring our history back.

[@Lila-vk1ni]

Thanks for the lecture . I was pleasantly surprised about the depth of knowledge of our🇺🇦 history,culture,politician situation. Even bilingual habits ) I am historian and it is such an enjoyment to listening to you, while our crasy neighbor🇷🇺 says so much lies. Thank you for providing world with such amazing lecture.

[@MsUtuber2]

I love how Prof Snyder weaves the truth.

[@lesjendryk1470]

Sorry did he mention about Ukrainians Natzists during 2WW ? SS. Galizien or Shuhewycz ? Take some truth on the other side of Ukraine

[@arthurjones4847]

Exceptional. Thank you.

[@Danielmediakovskyi]

I am Ukrainian and I really appreciate the work that Ms Timothy Snider did. Very interesting and important in nowadays lecture, so thank you for that. I am studying on history major, so in general many ideas were already known for me but also I saw something new from different perspective. Only one thing that I would like to disagree with it's about language. For foreign people it might seem that bilingual country is cool, but it is not. First of all russian language is here because of occupation and Ukrainian was forbidden. Secondly, all my childhood I had to watch cartoons in russian, listen rus. music and movies I didn't have enough product made in Ukrainian. When I spoke my language people said that I am nazi, or I have to stop speaking this "dog's language". Rus. language here is a mark of our bad past and we have to stop using it. This question really hurts. I don't feel comfy with rus. language speakers because it always was the language of your killers. If we are standing for us then we automatically stay against Ukrainian

[@pynn1000]

I hope your grandchildren will listen to this story with disbelief, not able to understand that these people really thought their culture and language was superior to Ukrainian. (Those now at the top don't, hence the attempt at hijacking Ukraine's story as their own.)

[@raulgonzalez139]

I was quite suprised that Ukrainian children watch movies in russian language. I'm talking about Kyiv oblast for example. I hope this will change after you win a war. Slava Ukraini! Żywie Belarus! Chwała Polsce!

[@mykolaj1110]

Thanks to Timothy Snyder for his support of Ukraine, as well as his study and clarification of Ukrainian history.

[@wernertognetti5956]

Thank you for uploading this excellent lecrure together with Q&A.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Facts about the artificial education, which is called Ukraine. KHARKIV is a Russian city. It was founded in the 1630s. Little Russians who fled from the Poles from the right bank of the Dnieper settled there. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich built a fortress there and founded the Kharkov Voivodeship in 1656. And here is some kind of Ukraine? SUMY - was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich no later than 1655. The tsar allowed refugees-Little Russians, who were killed by Poles, to settle there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? POLTAVA was in the XVII century the center of pro-Russian Little Russia. For this, the traitor Hetman Vygovsky (something like the current Nicknames and Yatsenyukov) attacked the city and sold its inhabitants into slavery to the Crimean Tatars. DNEPROPETROVSK - was founded by Catherine II in 1776 and was called Yekaterinoslav. LUGANSK - was founded in 1795, when Catherine II founded an iron foundry on the Lugan River. To work on it, people from the central and north-western provinces of Russia came to live in Lugansk. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KHERSON - was founded by Catherine II in 1778 for the construction of the Russian fleet. The construction was carried out by Potemkin. DONETSK - was founded by Alexander II in 1869 during the construction of a metallurgical plant in Yuzovka. What does Ukraine have to do with it? NIKOLAEV - was founded by Catherine II in 1789. At that time, Potemkin was building the ship "Saint Nicholas" there. What does Ukraine have to do with it at all? ODESSA - was founded by Catherine II in 1794 on the site of a fortress built a little earlier by Suvorov. What does Ukraine have to do with it? CHERNIHIV is one of the oldest Russian cities, it existed at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1503, it became part of Russia. In 1611, the Poles destroyed it and took this territory from the Russians. But in 1654 Chernigov returned to Russia and since then has always been an integral part of it. The question is: what does Ukraine have to do with it? SIMFEROPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1784. It was built by Potemkin on the site of the Suvorov military camp and next to the Tatar settlement. Moreover, Ukraine is here, no scientist can say. SEVASTOPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1783 on the site of a fortress built earlier by Suvorov. Potemkin built the city. What does Ukraine have to do with it? MARIUPOL - was founded in 1778 by Catherine II. She settled Greek immigrants from the Crimea there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KRIVOY ROG - was founded by Catherine II in 1775. What does Ukraine have to do with it? ZAPOROZHYE - was founded by Catherine II in 1770 and was called Alexandrovsky. KIROVOGRAD - was founded in 1754 by the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was called Elisavetgrad.

[@nasheselo]

Dear Dr. Snyder, thank you for your attention to detail in telling the story of Ukraine.

[@meg4210]

Very good observation by Tim Ukraine will built a new country on the model of Europe and let go the old Russia and will be an ally and friend to many other democracies like US and UK who will help with their new beginnings Ukraine will be a great power as it has natural and food resources with fantastic people to start over Brava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@teloxy6579]

Immensely thankful to this Man for helping shift the perception of my country in the world.

[@Cisssana]

Maksim Yevhenovych Levin (Ukrainian: Максим Євгенович Левін, romanized: Maksym Yevhenovych Levin; 7 July 1981 - c. 13 March 2022) was a Ukrainian photographer. He reported as a photojournalist from 2006, for LB.ua and Reuters among many others. He also provided photographs for international humanitarian organisations including UNICEF and World Health Organization. During a mission to document the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine in Kyiv Oblast, Levin was detained, interrogated, possibly tortured, and executed by Russian soldiers. His friend, Oleksiy Chernyshov, who was accompanying him, was likely burned alive. From Wikipedia

[@Terry_Fella]

Thank you for explaining about Maksym Levin, the journalist/photographer. I thought I had come across his name before on Twitter. Now, sadly, I remember why. May he rest in peace. I am in awe of all Ukrainians & deeply saddened that so many are losing their lives defending their right to exist &4 are fighting to protect the very principles of democracy, that many of us in 'the west' have taken for granted & even scorned. I hope we can learn to cherish & celebrate our freedom & diversity far more. We have much to learn from Ukraine. Slava Ukraini. 🇺🇦✌🌻

[@nadinedavid139]

Thank you for mentioning him. He also was a father of four little children! People of the world! Please support us, the Ukrainians. We fight for you, too.

[@mariyavelychko2697]

Sorry I forgot to mention one more comment (or rather omitted it because I was so impressed with the lecture), but it's important - it's Kyiv, not Kiev. According to Ukrainian spelling and pronunciation. Because why would we follow russian pronunciation speaking about Ukraine, right 😅?

[@telsys]

Also, Maidan is a typical Kievan Rus' event called "veche"(people's gathering) where people chose and deposed their rulers at will. Moreover, Kievan Rus' rule was based on a druzhina(prince's brotherhood-and we can see this brotherhood around Zelensky) which distinguishes it from Muscovy with their autocratic rulers. If Russia claims its ancestry in Kievan Rus', why then they're so hostile to Maidan? Russians should in fact have it in their genetic memory and should fully embrace Maidan as some long lost political culture they wish to come back to. But they don't. Because Russia is simply not its ancestor.

[@jetv1471]

Wow ! Thank you for this education about “druzhina” ,!! I know about the Muscovites and I took Russian history so I don’t believe Pootins nonsense of ancestry to Kievan Rus’. But I knew nothing about Ukraine and Poland etc before Feb 24 . And am loving learning about this area ! It’s like a piece of a puzzle ,, a part of the world that was hidden away and now the light is shining on me for me to see it’s beauty ! And I fully agree with your comment it makes so much sense ! Can I ask where you are from ?

[@telsys]

@@jetv1471 I was born in Russia but am half Ukrainian now living in Canada. I wanted to get to the bottom of it so read many books on the subject.

[@telsys]

@@jetv1471 Also, if you're interested on how Muscovy became autocratic. There was Yuri Dolgoruky, the prince of Rostov-Suzdal principality(which was part of Kievan Rus' realm) who fought for the throne of Kyiv numerous times but couldn't keep it. So he started building his own "kingdom". A lot of new towns were built in what was later called Muscovy. Local population was scarce so he populated these towns by attracting some folk from all over the place(south, east, north, west) by giving them various incentives. So now they had this motley crowd who'd lost their roots with their ancestral lands and forgotten all customs associated with the "old" Kievan Rus' . Therefore the emphasis was made on the charismatic leader instead of druzhina. The seeds of autocracy were sown during this time. Kievan Rus' with its capital in Kyiv, otoh, kept their customs and traditions.

[@jetv1471]

@@telsys 👍 THX , so far you have been the best commenter on the subject that I have come across in the six months on YT …👍 Most just go so far as Moscow being an outpost .. I VERY much enjoyed my Russian history class but it ended at the death of the Tzar. Went into science and engineering .. history took a seat WAY in the back for me lol Ever watch the kvartal95 cartoon skits on the Ukrainian historical characters .. ? It looks funny but the translation is poor

[@telsys]

So Russia's claim to Kievan Rus' heritage is bonkers because they consciously disconnected themselves from the Kievan Rus' and went the other way. I don't watch kvartal. Not my kind of humor.

[@doktorhulk]

Great lecture! if it wasn't so serious a situation right now, this would even be perfect entertainment. I wish school would have been like this...

[@Rnankn]

He’s a teacher! School was like this, depending on where you went and what you took.

[@doktorhulk]

@@Rnankn austria, 70ies/80ies. was very offputting, esp. history. just senseless learning by heart, no understanding of anything whatsoever. completely useless. I am so glad I rediscovered history through great minds & didactic talents like mr. snyder. also so relevevant in the midst of this terror war against ukraine.

[@P3t3rminator]

School can not teach you the history of every country in the world. School is here to give you the tools to explore and learn for yourself. Without the basics you learnt in school you wouldn't be able to follow a lecture like this. Of course schools are not perfect places of education because they are run by people and have to cater to the broader population. As an Austrian as well, who went and got a technical education, my knowledge of history was not too extensive either, but still I know how to acquire more information on topics that interest me and know the basics to understand what I find ;)

[@rcpmac]

School is like this if you get into Yale University where he is professor

[@doktorhulk]

@@rcpmac yeah, I had great teachers after what we call "gymnasium" in austria, at a german art school, with great inspiring minds.

[@davidbaker231]

Fascinating. All three parts of this talk are illuminating. I guess it shouldn't be surprising how limited our stock Western narratives are and how thoroughly they fail to capture or even acknowledge vast areas of history and identity. But the third part especially has me thinking about the techniques employed by tyranny in manufacturing those flawed, limited narratives.

[@obj.071]

as ukrainian i hope russian just goes away like forever. i still remember my school and how i was embarrassed to speak ukrainian because majority "city children" spoken russian and i would be laughed at for being "stupid village kid". i couldnt understand why in ukraine, using ukrainian is bad. as times went on i tried to use it more but most of the time i met weird looks on me every time i did. you couldnt imagine my shock when i came to west of ukraine and majority(70% of people i met) spoken ukrainian. i used ukrainian there but it was really unusual feeling. probably closest thing to be into another country after years of learning their language. after 2014 barely anything happened in perception of ukrainian language or even whole thing was even more at critical point as country was shaken from inside by people who repeated russian propaganda about nazis and things. barely anyone from people i know changed language. after 24th ice is broken and i hope flow wont stop. this is might be our last chance to manifest ourselves as proper country and cement role of our language and culture in our own land.

[@PriceTag5447]

In the last half of 20th century Russia forced Ukrainian educational institutions to use Russian in their educational process. So, by the 1990s, the vast majority of the last two generations of educated Ukrainians used Russian in their work-related communications. But it was not their choice. Many of them, regardless of their age, are switching to Ukrainian as language of their ancestors.

[@alphabat3269]

I opened up the phenomenon of Tim Snyder just a few days ago thanks to his lectures about Ukraine which he gives now in Yale University (which are published on KZbin; highly recommended!). I'm thankful for this titanic work that Tim has done over the Ukraine to make it more understandable by the world. The big problem of today's war is that just a few people outside of Ukraine indeed understand what is the real reason for the war and why Ukraine is not a part of Russia. On the horizon of 1000 year it becomes clear, that only 20-30% of time Ukraine has something in common with Russia, and most of this time was the time of slavery instead of a brotherhood.

[@user-fb3cp5xt8j]

Thank you very much for so deeply understanding what going on!

[@irenagrant-koch7159]

Absolutely brilliant lecture. Thank you so much.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Ukraine has never been a colony of Russia. The modern territory of Ukraine has always been part of Russia and the people living there called themselves Russians. Geographically, these lands were divided into Little Russia and New Russia. Nikolaev, Odessa, Kharkov, etc. were founded and created by Russian Tsars. These are historical facts. Don't listen to propagandists and scoundrels like Timothy Snyder, who are working against Russia by distorting history.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Facts about the artificial education, which is called Ukraine. KHARKIV is a Russian city. It was founded in the 1630s. Little Russians who fled from the Poles from the right bank of the Dnieper settled there. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich built a fortress there and founded the Kharkov Voivodeship in 1656. And here is some kind of Ukraine? SUMY - was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich no later than 1655. The tsar allowed refugees-Little Russians, who were killed by Poles, to settle there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? POLTAVA was in the XVII century the center of pro-Russian Little Russia. For this, the traitor Hetman Vygovsky (something like the current Nicknames and Yatsenyukov) attacked the city and sold its inhabitants into slavery to the Crimean Tatars. DNEPROPETROVSK - was founded by Catherine II in 1776 and was called Yekaterinoslav. LUGANSK - was founded in 1795, when Catherine II founded an iron foundry on the Lugan River. To work on it, people from the central and north-western provinces of Russia came to live in Lugansk. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KHERSON - was founded by Catherine II in 1778 for the construction of the Russian fleet. The construction was carried out by Potemkin. DONETSK - was founded by Alexander II in 1869 during the construction of a metallurgical plant in Yuzovka. What does Ukraine have to do with it? NIKOLAEV - was founded by Catherine II in 1789. At that time, Potemkin was building the ship "Saint Nicholas" there. What does Ukraine have to do with it at all? ODESSA - was founded by Catherine II in 1794 on the site of a fortress built a little earlier by Suvorov. What does Ukraine have to do with it? CHERNIHIV is one of the oldest Russian cities, it existed at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1503, it became part of Russia. In 1611, the Poles destroyed it and took this territory from the Russians. But in 1654 Chernigov returned to Russia and since then has always been an integral part of it. The question is: what does Ukraine have to do with it? SIMFEROPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1784. It was built by Potemkin on the site of the Suvorov military camp and next to the Tatar settlement. Moreover, Ukraine is here, no scientist can say. SEVASTOPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1783 on the site of a fortress built earlier by Suvorov. Potemkin built the city. What does Ukraine have to do with it? MARIUPOL - was founded in 1778 by Catherine II. She settled Greek immigrants from the Crimea there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KRIVOY ROG - was founded by Catherine II in 1775. What does Ukraine have to do with it? ZAPOROZHYE - was founded by Catherine II in 1770 and was called Alexandrovsky. KIROVOGRAD - was founded in 1754 by the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was called Elisavetgrad.

[@BohdanBrailov]

Thanks mr Snyder for sharing among people in the world

[@user-ee2md5xx4e]

Thank you, Professor. Thank you, YaleBritishArt.

[@alex.druganov]

This must be popularized as much as possible. Greetings from Kyiv.

[@dennisbrock1435]

Why because it’s Natzi propaganda 🤡

[@DianaHorshckova]

It is difficult for me to understand how we Ukrainians will survive the realization that the "Europe" we aspire to is not really "the" place we dream of. I am not afraid to say that Ukraine and the Ukrainian people are now showing the whole world what democracy should be, perhaps in time it will get a different name. The key role, in my opinion, was played by the president of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in tandem, that is, together as one whole. 🙏Thank you to every country and every person for such powerful help to my country! 🇺🇦 This will be our joint victory!

[@ianmarshall9144]

The most valuable thing about democracy is the ability to rid yourselves of bad leaders , it should never be a static enterprise but adaptable and open to experiment and change . Hopefully Ukraine will make the democracy that they want and need in a secure environment .

[@whazzat8015]

I've heard a great many of his ta;ls and learned something new from each

[@christophercousins184]

Brilliant, as always, Mr. Snyder.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Ukraine has never been a colony of Russia. The modern territory of Ukraine has always been part of Russia and the people living there called themselves Russians. Geographically, these lands were divided into Little Russia and New Russia. Nikolaev, Odessa, Kharkov, etc. were founded and created by Russian Tsars. These are historical facts. Don't listen to propagandists and scoundrels like Timothy Snyder, who are working against Russia by distorting history.

[@VooDoo899]

Fascinating!! Thank you!!

[@Oleks380]

Thank you for this lecture!

[@halunam2507]

Thank you so much. What a great lecture

[@JonathanLeggAdventure]

Wow. Very illuminating lecture. I learned so much. Thanks!

[@mas45890]

So so interesting!thank you so much for this Video which makes so many things clear!

[@dmaze8457]

Dr Snyder. You are the history professor I needed 65 years ago in he World History course I dozed off in on occasion. Your presentations have my rapt attention end to end. I think that as a person ages, history becomes more important and interesting to him/ her. After all, I’ve lived since WW2. I wonder how many “official” wars have occurred since 1937? It’s seldom the solution to a problem; except to the victor.

[@augustaj3952]

Many interesting and useful perspectives ☆ Thank you for sharing.

[@AndrewZhilenko]

Thank you!

[@barbarabroeske1061]

So excellent! Thank you

[@jamesewanchook2276]

Democracies: Send Ukrainians everything they need pronto; let them put an end to Putin's folly. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦🇨🇦!!

[@mate.milas71]

Timothy Snyder, real fighter against all russian propaganda lies. Just reading his book The road to unfreedom. Greetings from Croatia.

[@autemniaequinoctius2030]

send love to Croatia fron Kyiv

[@basilklochkov9194]

The modern territory of Ukraine has always been part of Russia and the people living there called themselves Russians. Geographically, these lands were divided into Little Russia and Novorossiya. Nikolaev, Odessa, Kharkov, etc. were founded and created by Russian Tsars. Russian Russian chronicles of those times call Kiev the mother of Russian cities, as the first major Russian city. The concept of Ukrainian as a nationality was artificially introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Russian Russian word Ukraine itself means the outskirts of the Russian lands, as a designation of border lands. This is a territorial term, so called different lands of Russia, but this does not mean that those who lived there were not Russians. At the time of the collapse of the USSR, Russian was the native language for 70% of the inhabitants of Ukraine (it was spoken in the Central, eastern and southeastern parts, which were Russia). The Ukrainian as a nationality is an invention of the twentieth century, invented to divide the united Russian people. It's like saying. that the inhabitants of California are not Americans, but Californians by nationality, or the inhabitants of Thuringia are not Germans but Thuringians by nationality. Study history, and don't listen to propagandists and scoundrels like Timothy Snyder, who work against Russia by distorting history.

[@autemniaequinoctius2030]

@@basilklochkov9194 lol rosia in Greek spells with one s - ροσια There weren't any state with name Rosia on moscovite territories during 12-17 centuries There were Moscovite Duchy, Moscovite Kingdom

[@basilklochkov9194]

@@autemniaequinoctius2030 What difference does it make if there is one letter s or not. In Greek, with one s in Russian, it is written with two. The etymology of this origin of this word does not change. It is Greek and means Rus, which is a scientifically known fact. In the tale of bygone years written in 882 it is written: And Oleg sat down to reign in Kiev, and Oleg said: "May this be the mother of Russian cities." I repeat it is written in a historical document dated 882. Therefore, historically, the first name of the State is Russia and its current name in Greek is Rus. There are whole scientific books about this, for example, by Lev Gumilev, a professor at Leningrad University called "From Russia to Russia" and so on. Russian Russian Empire Until the 17th century, Russia was called the Russian Kingdom and its ruler was Ivan the Terrible, then in 1721 Peter the Great made the Russian Empire out of the Russian Kingdom. Here is the chronology of the state form of Russia in different periods of history: the Old Russian state, Kievan Rus (862 - XIII century) Russian Principalities (mid-XII century - early XVI century) The Russian state - the end of the XV century - October 22 (November 2), 1721 The Russian Empire - October 22 (November 2), 1721 - September 1 (14), 1917. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (December 30, 1922 - December 26, 1991). Russian Federation - since December 25 , 1991

[@autemniaequinoctius2030]

@@basilklochkov9194 the difference here is that an illiterate person always gives a false historical picture so, there was no Russian state on the lands of Moscow from the 12th to the 17th centuries. Tgere was the Moscow Duchy and the Moscow Kingdom

[@lucase.2546]

As a clueless American, Snyder seems like he really gets it. And he’s a very good speaker

[@basilklochkov9194]

Facts about the artificial education, which is called Ukraine. KHARKIV is a Russian city. It was founded in the 1630s. Little Russians who fled from the Poles from the right bank of the Dnieper settled there. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich built a fortress there and founded the Kharkov Voivodeship in 1656. And here is some kind of Ukraine? SUMY - was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich no later than 1655. The tsar allowed refugees-Little Russians, who were killed by Poles, to settle there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? POLTAVA was in the XVII century the center of pro-Russian Little Russia. For this, the traitor Hetman Vygovsky (something like the current Nicknames and Yatsenyukov) attacked the city and sold its inhabitants into slavery to the Crimean Tatars. DNEPROPETROVSK - was founded by Catherine II in 1776 and was called Yekaterinoslav. LUGANSK - was founded in 1795, when Catherine II founded an iron foundry on the Lugan River. To work on it, people from the central and north-western provinces of Russia came to live in Lugansk. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KHERSON - was founded by Catherine II in 1778 for the construction of the Russian fleet. The construction was carried out by Potemkin. DONETSK - was founded by Alexander II in 1869 during the construction of a metallurgical plant in Yuzovka. What does Ukraine have to do with it? NIKOLAEV - was founded by Catherine II in 1789. At that time, Potemkin was building the ship "Saint Nicholas" there. What does Ukraine have to do with it at all? ODESSA - was founded by Catherine II in 1794 on the site of a fortress built a little earlier by Suvorov. What does Ukraine have to do with it? CHERNIHIV is one of the oldest Russian cities, it existed at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1503, it became part of Russia. In 1611, the Poles destroyed it and took this territory from the Russians. But in 1654 Chernigov returned to Russia and since then has always been an integral part of it. The question is: what does Ukraine have to do with it? SIMFEROPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1784. It was built by Potemkin on the site of the Suvorov military camp and next to the Tatar settlement. Moreover, Ukraine is here, no scientist can say. SEVASTOPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1783 on the site of a fortress built earlier by Suvorov. Potemkin built the city. What does Ukraine have to do with it? MARIUPOL - was founded in 1778 by Catherine II. She settled Greek immigrants from the Crimea there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KRIVOY ROG - was founded by Catherine II in 1775. What does Ukraine have to do with it? ZAPOROZHYE - was founded by Catherine II in 1770 and was called Alexandrovsky. KIROVOGRAD - was founded in 1754 by the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was called Elisavetgrad.

[@tatianakharyshmatys8724]

​@@basilklochkov9194 ідіть вчіть історію дальше. Вам далеко ще до правди і пізнання хто такий український народ.

[@_masssk_]

Thank you, it's a very deep and important lecture

[@robertbrennan2268]

Thank you Prof. Snyder for your enlightening and stimulating talk - very exceptional in its humane perceptiveness. Writing from the UK in its post Brexit position I'd say that the future of Europe needs now a larger conception of a "Concert of Europe" than the EU institutions on their own can manage. This means that the boundaries of EU have to be amenable to a periphery of European (non-EU) "affiliates" NATO as a military alliance is not shaped to carry this role except perhaps symbolically. Europe above all is a cultural formation of diverse inter acting practices and voices: a conversation of values and democracies as much as a set of ex-imperial powers.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Ukraine has never been a colony of Russia. The modern territory of Ukraine has always been part of Russia and the people living there called themselves Russians. Geographically, these lands were divided into Little Russia and New Russia. Nikolaev, Odessa, Kharkov, etc. were founded and created by Russian Tsars. These are historical facts. Don't listen to propagandists and scoundrels like Timothy Snyder, who are working against Russia by distorting history.

[@catnap387]

What an excellent lecture!

[@Anyname345]

Thank you🙏

[@naveda08]

Wow excellent lecture, thanks for sharing

[@kerrigrandmaison2474]

Very educational lecture, thank you

[@ropersix]

Ukraine as a democracy sounds a little like India.

[@dougwedel9484]

Bicycles. They don't pollute. They don't us Russian oil. They give people a sense of independence. They are healthy and fun and connect us with our communities and with the land. They are a perfect way to celebrate Ukraine.

[@annabarabanna7668]

Thank you very much for such a remarkable speaker.

[@olyabolsh5897]

Thank you.👍

[@robbie_]

Very interesting talk. Thanks for sharing.

[@clausholm4130]

Fantastic lecture

[@JohnnyBeeDawg]

Things in this war are not exactly as this man says, but will listen anyway

[@richardgreenhough]

I never fail to be impressed by the brilliance of Professor Snyder. Also I warm very much to his obviously enormously compassionate nature.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Ukraine has never been a colony of Russia. The modern territory of Ukraine has always been part of Russia and the people living there called themselves Russians. Geographically, these lands were divided into Little Russia and Novorossiya. Nikolaev, Odessa, Kharkov, etc. were founded and created by Russian Tsars. Russian Russian chronicles of those times call Kiev the mother of Russian cities, as the first major Russian city. The concept of Ukrainian as a nationality was artificially introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Russian Russian word Ukraine itself means the outskirts of the Russian lands, as a designation of border lands. This is a territorial term, so called different lands of Russia, but this does not mean that those who lived there were not Russians. At the time of the collapse of the USSR, Russian was the native language for 70% of the inhabitants of Ukraine (it was spoken in the Central, eastern and southeastern parts, which were Russia). The Ukrainian as a nationality is an invention of the twentieth century, invented to divide the united Russian people. It's like saying. that the inhabitants of California are not Americans, but Californians by nationality, or the inhabitants of Thuringia are not Germans but Thuringians by nationality. Study history, and don't listen to propagandists and scoundrels like Timothy Snyder, who work against Russia by distorting history.

[@nigelwiseman8644]

Amazing

[@oprystupa]

Дякую за чудову лекцію. Це синопсис тих 20 лекцій з історії України, що викладалися минулого року. Надзвичайно цікаво

[@anastasiiaboivan2356]

Thank you for your lection. It is very interesting to recognize the point of view about our country from american or "western" point of view.

[@basilklochkov9194]

Facts about the artificial education, which is called Ukraine. KHARKIV is a Russian city. It was founded in the 1630s. Little Russians who fled from the Poles from the right bank of the Dnieper settled there. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich built a fortress there and founded the Kharkov Voivodeship in 1656. And here is some kind of Ukraine? SUMY - was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich no later than 1655. The tsar allowed refugees-Little Russians, who were killed by Poles, to settle there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? POLTAVA was in the XVII century the center of pro-Russian Little Russia. For this, the traitor Hetman Vygovsky (something like the current Nicknames and Yatsenyukov) attacked the city and sold its inhabitants into slavery to the Crimean Tatars. DNEPROPETROVSK - was founded by Catherine II in 1776 and was called Yekaterinoslav. LUGANSK - was founded in 1795, when Catherine II founded an iron foundry on the Lugan River. To work on it, people from the central and north-western provinces of Russia came to live in Lugansk. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KHERSON - was founded by Catherine II in 1778 for the construction of the Russian fleet. The construction was carried out by Potemkin. DONETSK - was founded by Alexander II in 1869 during the construction of a metallurgical plant in Yuzovka. What does Ukraine have to do with it? NIKOLAEV - was founded by Catherine II in 1789. At that time, Potemkin was building the ship "Saint Nicholas" there. What does Ukraine have to do with it at all? ODESSA - was founded by Catherine II in 1794 on the site of a fortress built a little earlier by Suvorov. What does Ukraine have to do with it? CHERNIHIV is one of the oldest Russian cities, it existed at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1503, it became part of Russia. In 1611, the Poles destroyed it and took this territory from the Russians. But in 1654 Chernigov returned to Russia and since then has always been an integral part of it. The question is: what does Ukraine have to do with it? SIMFEROPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1784. It was built by Potemkin on the site of the Suvorov military camp and next to the Tatar settlement. Moreover, Ukraine is here, no scientist can say. SEVASTOPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1783 on the site of a fortress built earlier by Suvorov. Potemkin built the city. What does Ukraine have to do with it? MARIUPOL - was founded in 1778 by Catherine II. She settled Greek immigrants from the Crimea there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KRIVOY ROG - was founded by Catherine II in 1775. What does Ukraine have to do with it? ZAPOROZHYE - was founded by Catherine II in 1770 and was called Alexandrovsky. KIROVOGRAD - was founded in 1754 by the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was called Elisavetgrad.

[@dmytrohelbak]

Дякую, Timothy!

[@frenchfan1278]

Absolutely outstanding work . So interesting to listen to. Thank you for letting world understand better what Ukraine is and dissolve the myth of “failed state” “ total corruption “ “ if they speak russian they are russian”.

[@Andriy_Moskalenko]

This lecture is very on point!!! After the full-scale russian invasion the ukrainian way of bilinguality and coexisting with multiple cultures, including russian(32:10) is shattered and perceived as a vulnerability by many ukrainians, a vulnerability that led to the invasion. But I'm 100% confident it's our strength and I will keep defending this way of life :)

[@MissAnastasiyaD]

It didn't lead to the invasion but made it much simpler... thanks to people like you, who 'keep defending this way of life' 😉

[@Andriy_Moskalenko]

@@MissAnastasiyaD Russia's ФСБ and Russia's billions of dollars invested in ruining Ukraine since 90-s made it simpler, not Pushkin, Dostoevsky or me :) Seems like Timothy Snyder understands Ukraine better than many ukrainians, but it's ok, I bet you subconsciously feel that magnificent ukrainian spirit. А також, я вірю що ми зможемо вести розумну, грамотну політику, не уподоблюючись московитам, і не даючи їм маніпулювати собою за допомогою мови та Пушкіна

[@MsUtuber2]

Slava Ukraini! 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@0013dancer]

traitor!

[@raulgonzalez139]

@@0013dancerPrzedstawiłeś się, tylko nie wiem po co.

[@user-fk6tm6gb4c]

thank you

[@KOldridge1]

Thank you Timothy Snyder!

[@lalitharavindran]

This is so easy to understand and educative.

[@ytsyts93]

Thanks

[@chryssitsirogianni2586]

Excellent, thank you

[@dsh1667]

Awesome analysis. Ty! Added to my list of educational vids's past/,current events Manifest Destiny. No more Marshall Plan.

[@dabrupro]

Interesting listening to this guy after listening to The Duran channel latest update.

[@nightfallgaming535]

Thank you

[@julia_m_o]

Amazing! You can really see Mr. Snyder gets our history and feelings in the joke he made about having only 1 power now trying to take our land is already a progress. As a Ukrainian I had to laugh a lot at this one 😅

[@hydroac9387]

What a wonderful lecture. I knew a little of ancient history of the Ukrainians (Vikings, ties to Byzantium, Mongol invasions, Kiev as an ancient city), but this discussion helps put it in context and focuses on the present. Thank you!

[@basilklochkov9194]

Facts about the artificial education, which is called Ukraine. KHARKIV is a Russian city. It was founded in the 1630s. Little Russians who fled from the Poles from the right bank of the Dnieper settled there. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich built a fortress there and founded the Kharkov Voivodeship in 1656. And here is some kind of Ukraine? SUMY - was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich no later than 1655. The tsar allowed refugees-Little Russians, who were killed by Poles, to settle there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? POLTAVA was in the XVII century the center of pro-Russian Little Russia. For this, the traitor Hetman Vygovsky (something like the current Nicknames and Yatsenyukov) attacked the city and sold its inhabitants into slavery to the Crimean Tatars. DNEPROPETROVSK - was founded by Catherine II in 1776 and was called Yekaterinoslav. LUGANSK - was founded in 1795, when Catherine II founded an iron foundry on the Lugan River. To work on it, people from the central and north-western provinces of Russia came to live in Lugansk. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KHERSON - was founded by Catherine II in 1778 for the construction of the Russian fleet. The construction was carried out by Potemkin. DONETSK - was founded by Alexander II in 1869 during the construction of a metallurgical plant in Yuzovka. What does Ukraine have to do with it? NIKOLAEV - was founded by Catherine II in 1789. At that time, Potemkin was building the ship "Saint Nicholas" there. What does Ukraine have to do with it at all? ODESSA - was founded by Catherine II in 1794 on the site of a fortress built a little earlier by Suvorov. What does Ukraine have to do with it? CHERNIHIV is one of the oldest Russian cities, it existed at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1503, it became part of Russia. In 1611, the Poles destroyed it and took this territory from the Russians. But in 1654 Chernigov returned to Russia and since then has always been an integral part of it. The question is: what does Ukraine have to do with it? SIMFEROPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1784. It was built by Potemkin on the site of the Suvorov military camp and next to the Tatar settlement. Moreover, Ukraine is here, no scientist can say. SEVASTOPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1783 on the site of a fortress built earlier by Suvorov. Potemkin built the city. What does Ukraine have to do with it? MARIUPOL - was founded in 1778 by Catherine II. She settled Greek immigrants from the Crimea there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KRIVOY ROG - was founded by Catherine II in 1775. What does Ukraine have to do with it? ZAPOROZHYE - was founded by Catherine II in 1770 and was called Alexandrovsky. KIROVOGRAD - was founded in 1754 by the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was called Elisavetgrad.

[@gordondavies7773]

@@basilklochkov9194 what you are telling us is that Russia colonised Ukraine and built new towns. Empires do this. So you are demonstrati g that Ukraine existed before invasion by the Russian Empire.

[@gordondavies7773]

@@basilklochkov9194 Cossack Hetmanate. Kharkiv Fortress As usual history is always more complicated. For instance Kharkiv: In 1654, in the midst of this period of turmoil for Right-bank Ukraine, groups of people came onto the banks of Lopan and Kharkiv rivers where they resurrected and fortified an abandoned settlement The settlement reluctantly accepted the protection and authority of a Russian voivode from Chuhuiv 40 kilometres (25 mi) to the east. So not quite a Russian settlement.

[@basilklochkov9194]

@@gordondavies7773 When Odessa, Dnipro (Yekaterinoslav), Kherson and other cities were founded by Russian Tsars, there was no such state as Ukraine. These areas were called Wild Field, from where the Crimean Tatars, who were essentially satellites of the Ottoman Empire, made their raids. It was a desolate land, a bare steppe, which in fact did not belong to anyone. After the victory over Turkey, Russia mastered these lands, founded cities there, and gave the historical name to these lands Novorossiya. Do not believe the false historical propaganda that is being told to you in Western countries.

[@gordondavies7773]

@@basilklochkov9194 1. Thank you for confirming that Russia colonised the territory. 2. You seem to be confusing state and nation. There has been a specific Ukranian identity for over a thousand years even if they have been incorporated into various administrative units...and was part of Lithuania for far longer than it was part of the Russian Empire. One feature of Ukranian identity is its multiculturalism, symbolised by the current President: a Jewish Russian speaking Ukranian. Despite the genocidal efforts of Stalin the Crimean Tartars are also part of this complex identity. There are many examples of nations that are not independent states, or only became states recently. For example, the country from which I am writing: Ireland.

[@kaigrafable]

Excellent!

[@basilklochkov9194]

Facts about the artificial education, which is called Ukraine. KHARKIV is a Russian city. It was founded in the 1630s. Little Russians who fled from the Poles from the right bank of the Dnieper settled there. Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich built a fortress there and founded the Kharkov Voivodeship in 1656. And here is some kind of Ukraine? SUMY - was founded by Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich no later than 1655. The tsar allowed refugees-Little Russians, who were killed by Poles, to settle there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? POLTAVA was in the XVII century the center of pro-Russian Little Russia. For this, the traitor Hetman Vygovsky (something like the current Nicknames and Yatsenyukov) attacked the city and sold its inhabitants into slavery to the Crimean Tatars. DNEPROPETROVSK - was founded by Catherine II in 1776 and was called Yekaterinoslav. LUGANSK - was founded in 1795, when Catherine II founded an iron foundry on the Lugan River. To work on it, people from the central and north-western provinces of Russia came to live in Lugansk. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KHERSON - was founded by Catherine II in 1778 for the construction of the Russian fleet. The construction was carried out by Potemkin. DONETSK - was founded by Alexander II in 1869 during the construction of a metallurgical plant in Yuzovka. What does Ukraine have to do with it? NIKOLAEV - was founded by Catherine II in 1789. At that time, Potemkin was building the ship "Saint Nicholas" there. What does Ukraine have to do with it at all? ODESSA - was founded by Catherine II in 1794 on the site of a fortress built a little earlier by Suvorov. What does Ukraine have to do with it? CHERNIHIV is one of the oldest Russian cities, it existed at the beginning of the 10th century. In 1503, it became part of Russia. In 1611, the Poles destroyed it and took this territory from the Russians. But in 1654 Chernigov returned to Russia and since then has always been an integral part of it. The question is: what does Ukraine have to do with it? SIMFEROPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1784. It was built by Potemkin on the site of the Suvorov military camp and next to the Tatar settlement. Moreover, Ukraine is here, no scientist can say. SEVASTOPOL was founded by Catherine II in 1783 on the site of a fortress built earlier by Suvorov. Potemkin built the city. What does Ukraine have to do with it? MARIUPOL - was founded in 1778 by Catherine II. She settled Greek immigrants from the Crimea there. What does Ukraine have to do with it? KRIVOY ROG - was founded by Catherine II in 1775. What does Ukraine have to do with it? ZAPOROZHYE - was founded by Catherine II in 1770 and was called Alexandrovsky. KIROVOGRAD - was founded in 1754 by the Russian Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. It was called Elisavetgrad.

[@user-lm7de4fm8t]

Thank you mr. Timothy. Like from UKRAINE

[@cliffordthies6715]

Woodrow Wilson (The State, 1898) made the argument that nations derive from kinship. The contrast isn't really Marx, but Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln described this country as "a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." That is, new as opposed to old, even intentional. But, as we Americans can attest, making that intention into a reality has been and remains a work in progress. In a sense, our difficulty in making the intention into a reality speaks to the power of kinship. It is like gravity. That, with enough thrust, we can escape this planet doesn't disprove gravity. Rather, it shows that gravity is a powerful yet limited force.

[@stephenvincent4706]

Excellent on many levels

[@tikpenn]

Guy Kay Gavriel authored a delightful series of novels capturing the classical history of Byzantium. Anyone who reads will recognize some of the history described by Prof Schnyder.

[@dutch0schulz]

To add to the first few minutes of the agency narrative, skilfully woven by Prof. Snyder: a) present Ukraine was not somehow recognized and befriended by the ancient Greeks, but colonized (e.g. Olbia was a Milesian apoikia, etc.); b) it was the Vikings, not the autochtons, who were responsible for urbanization of Gardariki and Kiev's rise to prominence, again in an effort of colonization; c) Byzantine conversion of Slavs to Christianity and the ensuing language reform was not some sort of humanitarian enlightenment project (although it could partially be in the eyes of some missionaries), but again served the purposes of colonization; and so on. What this leads us to is that it is perhaps time to abandon consuming foundational myths and imaginaries from times immemorial, variously cooked and twisted by historians, even, as we see, the most prominent ones, to serve this or that agenda, as not standing the scrutiny of reason and distracting from the main goal, i.e. the defence of achievements of modernity (such as human dignity, autonomy, civic virtues, rights and duties, popular sovereignty, checks and balances, political representation, and so on).

[@basilklochkov9194]

The modern territory of Ukraine has always been part of Russia and the people living there called themselves Russians. Geographically, these lands were divided into Little Russia and Novorossiya. Nikolaev, Odessa, Kharkov, etc. were founded and created by Russian Tsars. Russian Russian chronicles of those times call Kiev the mother of Russian cities, as the first major Russian city. The concept of Ukrainian as a nationality was artificially introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Russian Russian word Ukraine itself means the outskirts of the Russian lands, as a designation of border lands. This is a territorial term, so called different lands of Russia, but this does not mean that those who lived there were not Russians. At the time of the collapse of the USSR, Russian was the native language for 70% of the inhabitants of Ukraine (it was spoken in the Central, eastern and southeastern parts, which were Russia). The Ukrainian as a nationality is an invention of the twentieth century, invented to divide the united Russian people. It's like saying. that the inhabitants of California are not Americans, but Californians by nationality, or the inhabitants of Thuringia are not Germans but Thuringians by nationality. Study history, and don't listen to propagandists and scoundrels like Timothy Snyder, who work against Russia by distorting history.

[@gordondavies7773]

@@basilklochkov9194 Thank you for your mythological version of history.

[@basilklochkov9194]

@@gordondavies7773 It is just you who are being fed myths and false propaganda about Ukraine in order to fight with Russia with the hands of Ukraine and multiply the tragedy, the death of people. At the same time, money is sent from the pockets of ordinary American and European taxpayers.

[@catnap387]

Ukrainian courage is astonishing and Ukrainian suffering is heart-breaking. Justice must prevail and Ukraine must win against the evil we see unravelled before our eyes.