Historian explains the true purpose of Russian myth about "brotherly nations" and breaks down enemy propaganda

Russia systematically uses the narrative of "brotherly nations" as part of its propaganda. This is not a random, but a well-thought-out myth aimed at justifying aggression against Ukraine and maintaining control over its society.

Historian Vitaliy Dribnytsia spoke about this in an interview, explaining the origins and logic of this approach. "Any myth is historically specific. This myth about the brotherhood of nations is a typical Soviet narrative. Previously, in the Russian Empire or the Austrian Empire, such narratives did not exist," he said.

According to the historian, the myth of the "brotherly peoples" is a Soviet narrative that emerged no earlier than the mid-twentieth century. In the first decades of Soviet rule, it was unnecessary, as the policy of direct suppression dominated: the elimination of Ukrainian statehood in the 1920s and the destruction of intellectuals and elites.

However, in the postwar period, in particular during the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the "reunification of Ukraine with Russia" in 1954, this myth began to take on bigger forms. Its main goal was to keep Ukraine part of the Soviet empire and to legitimize repression.

"This narrative comes from there and it lives on in the minds of the Russians to this day. There is not much of in the minds of Ukrainians," he said.

Dribnytsia notes that in Ukrainian society, it has already weakened considerably due to 30 years of rethinking history. However, in Russia, the myth is still widespread, especially among older generations, and is actively used by the authorities to manipulate public opinion.

"Because good Ukrainians are occupied by the Banderites, so we need to liberate our brothers. Accordingly, the Russian army is the 'liberation' army. The logic there is extremely simple, and this narrative is based on this logic" the historian explained.

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