Okres II wojny światowej w obecnej narracji historycznej Ukrainy

The Second World War was one of the most tragic events in the history of mankind, which affected a significant number of countries around the world. In addition, it became an indispensable thread in the creation of state policies, establishing a sense of pride in nations, but also sympathy towards those murdered by totalitarianisms and those killed on the frontlines. This is also a factor that facilitates manipulation for tangible gains by governments, as demonstrated by various countries’ own historical policies. One of them is Ukraine, a young state with a national consciousness that only awakened in the nineteenth century. At present, the Second World War seems to be an important theme for Ukrainians used in order to unite their nation, while emphasizing this event in such a way as to distinguish it from the history of the Great Patriotic War.
The internal division of Ukraine forced its authorities, in the face of Russian historical propaganda, to create their own agenda, relying on a historical narrative that corresponds to the history of western parts of the country. Indeed, history of Ukrainian lands that were part of the Second Polish Republic became a central theme in Ukrainian politics, aimed at emphasizing the distinctiveness of its history from Russian history. Thus, Ukraine glorified its anti-heroes – nationalists of the OUN and UPA, as well as Ukrainian formations collaborating with German totalitarianism. In order to lay the foundation for a strong nation and statehood, a history that unites society and with which citizens can identify is essential. Therefore, Ukraine’s specular historical policy serves a specific intention, that is the survival of the nation and the state, even at the cost of truth, because, to quote Hiram Johnson – „The first casualty of War is Truth”.