Around the same time as the U.S. House of Representatives approved a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine, one representative voiced concerns regarding “Nazi” ideologies in Ukraine. Timothy Snyder, the Richard C. Levin Professor of History and Global Affairs at Yale University, who specializes in the history and politics of Eastern Europe, debunked the myths about Nazism in Ukraine at the hearing. He proved that, on the contrary, the Russian government is “fascist in character.” Countering Russian propaganda that accuses Ukraine of Nazism is essential for the formation of an accurate idea about the country’s government in the eyes of the international community and, therefore, gaining the support necessary for defense.
During a congressional hearing on Chinese political warfare on April 17, where Representative Majorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., accused Ukraine of supporting Nazism, Snyder highlighted that “no far-right party has ever crossed 3% in a Ukrainian election” but “in Russia, on the other hand, the army includes openly Nazi formations.” Moreover, the Russian government is known for illegally transferring Ukrainian children to Russia — attempting to erase their Ukrainian identity, “the open intention of destroying a state,” and “mass torture.” Prior to making claims about alleged Nazism in Ukraine, one should research the topic by utilizing independent journalistic sources and peer-reviewed studies instead of articles on pro-Russian channels like Sputnik and Russia Today, which were banned in the EU two years ago due to spreading disinformation. The issue with false accusations of Nazism lies in people’s nature to generally easily believe provocative statements without fact-checking them; this is especially dangerous when such statements may hinder global support for Ukraine.
Fortunately, for now, it appears that only the minority agrees with propagandistic claims about Ukraine as many countries continue to support its defense, and the country seems to be on the way to receiving the resources necessary for continuing the fight for its independence. The news about the new aid package has been met with great enthusiasm and hope in Ukraine. In addition to desperately needed air defense systems and weapons, the package might for the first time include powerful long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems. ATACMS have the ability to alter the fighting on the ground, as according to The Guardian, it is “highly prized by the Ukrainian army for its firepower, speed of deployment and accuracy.” Currently, Ukraine only has access to a version that fires a distance of 102 miles, but newer versions can fire roughly 186 miles, which makes a great difference on the battlefield.
Returning home for summer break, I cannot help but think about how drastically even those Ukrainians who are not in the military are affected by the war. The missile and drone attacks and their consequences, which range from power outages to losing loved ones, touch everyone in one way or another. It is heartbreaking to once again realize the striking differences between living in Ukraine at war versus in a country at peace like the U.S.
