Oleksandr Alfiorov Delivered a Lecture at Karazin University

On 28 November 2025, Karazin University hosted a lecture by Oleksandr Alfiorov — Chair of the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, prominent historian, and popular science communicator — titled “How to Understand the History of Ukraine: Without Myths and Hostile Constructs.” The event brought together students, faculty members, and all those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s past, distinguishing facts from propagandist interpretations, and exploring the processes behind the development of Ukrainian statehood.

During his lecture, Oleksandr Alfiorov emphasized that the complexity of Ukrainian history is often shaped not by its own nature but by centuries of hostile myths and ideological overlays. This is why critical thinking and the ability to separate historical facts from imposed narratives are essential for building a resilient society.

The keynote idea of the meeting was summed up by the historian in the phrase:
“We are not a victim nation. A victim nation does not defeat anyone.”
According to Alfiorov, an important driver in shaping national memory today is shifting the focus from the victimhood narrative to understanding Ukrainians as a people who, for centuries, have resisted their enemies and continue to defend their freedom.

A separate part of the lecture was dedicated to the history of Slobozhanshchyna — a region with a unique yet insufficiently studied heritage. Oleksandr Alfiorov explained why regional history is crucial for forming a comprehensive understanding of Ukraine’s past.

The event concluded with a lively discussion, during which participants asked professional questions about today’s challenges for Ukraine and the lesser-known aspects of the biographies of prominent Ukrainian historical figures.