Intelligence Squared How Misinformation Led to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Sep 8, 2023
Mikhail Zygar, a prominent Russian dissident journalist and author, discusses the propaganda fueling Russia's invasion of Ukraine, sharing insights from his book 'War and Punishment.' He reveals how historical myths have distorted perceptions, leading Putin to underestimate Zelensky's rise. Alongside Edward Lucas, a columnist and national security expert, they dissect the political implications of language and identity in shaping contemporary Ukrainian nationalism. Their compelling analysis highlights the urgent need to debunk enduring imperial narratives and confront cultural legacies.
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Treaty Misinterpretation
- The 1654 treaty between Moscow and Cossack Hetmanate was viewed differently.
- Cossacks saw it as a contract between equals, while the Tsar saw it as a pledge.
Language and Status
- Ukrainians in the Austrian Empire were second-class citizens but could speak Ukrainian.
- In the Russian Empire, Ukrainians could advance only if they abandoned their language and culture.
Russian Speakers
- The term "Russian speakers" became a political category, similar to "German speakers" in the 1930s.
- This linguistic ethno-nationalism is reflected in Putin's view of Ukrainian language needing eradication.
