HOLY RUS — ON UKRAINIAN RUSSOPHILISM
HOLY RUS — ON UKRAINIAN RUSSOPHILISM

Summary/Abstract: The so-called russophilism of Ukrainians is an important identity and geopolitical element in the context of Eastern Eu- rope. It would be a too far-fetched simplification to explain it only by the imperial policy of russification. The territories of modern Ukraine were the centre of historical Rus. Tsarist Russia built its national mythology on the basis of its tradition. Enlightened Ruthenian or Ukrainian elites were the co-creators of this mythology. The tradition of the Orthodox Church, also known as the Ruthenian Church, is bound not only because of the doctrine of faith but also by external shapes: language, common saints, common names, etc. Under Russia’s rule, rusophilism was a kind of natural state of mind for Ukrainians. The emergence of a strong russophile unvironment under the rule of Austria and Hungary testified to the deep roots of this kind of understanding of one’s own identity. Despite the fight against russophilia in the 20th century, it remained deeply rooted in the consciousness of some of the inhabitants of Ukraine. This explains the current situation in this country, the war, and the social crisis.

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