Paper Short Abstract:

The presentation focus on the memory activism, which, using the collection of the Shevchenko Library and Archive, aims to change the stereotypical image of Ukraine in British society. The concept of “memory activism”, along with the concepts of “communicative and cultural memory” and “places of memory”, are key to the research methodology.

Paper Abstract:

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 did more to transform British perceptions of Ukraine in a very short time than any other event in recent history. As a result, British society is discovering Ukraine as a sovereign state fighting against Russian aggression for its independence. Previously, however, Ukraine was perceived by most Britons as naturally part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union and was not recognized as a separate state or nation. Most among the British society effectively accepted the Russian interpretation of Ukrainian history according to which Ukrainians were not a separate people, and Ukraine was part of Russia’s “zone of influence”. These attitudes died extremely hard and can still be seen in certain British circles despite the United Kingdom provids the significant support to Ukraine in ongoing war.

It is therefore crucial to reconsider British attitudes to Ukraine and Ukrainian.

Memory activism, which involves broad public participation in social activities, plays an important role in these processes. The collection of the Shevchenko Library and Archive (London) representing the largest body of Ukrainian diaspora books, periodicals, manuscripts, photographs, serves as a strategic platform for memory activism efforts. The issue of memory activism using the resources of this institution to create the image of Ukrainians as a nation entitled to its state is the focus of the presentation, which is grounded in theoretical frameworks, including the concepts of “memory activism” (Y. Gutman, J. Wüstenberg), “communicative and cultural memory” (Jan Assmann), and “places of memory” (Pierre Nora).