The University Commemorates Holodomor Memorial Day

Every year, on the fourth Saturday of November, Ukraine commemorates the victims of the 20th-century famines.

Ukrainians experienced mass famines in 1921–1923 and 1946–1947, as well as the Holodomor of 1932–1933, orchestrated by the Stalinist regime, which amounted to the genocide of the Ukrainian people. The Soviet authorities sought to suppress the Ukrainian national-liberation movement and eliminate a portion of Ukrainians, but they did not break our spirit, our desire to live in dignity and freedom.

The Holodomor is not just a page in the history of our nation, it is a significant spiritual wound that permeates the souls of its witnesses and the present generation with unbearable pain. Today, we also honor the memory of Ukrainians who perished due to starvation during the Russian-Ukrainian war, as Russians once again employ genocidal practices against our people.

In this war, Russia has the same goal as during the famines —t o destroy the Ukrainian nation, identity, and mentality. These tragic events vividly demonstrate that we must remember all the victims and that the aggressor country must be held accountable.

To commemorate the memory of the Holodomor victims, students and staff of Karazin University traditionally gather to join the nationwide initiative and light memorial candles.