Russia’s Denial of Ukraine: Letters and Contested Memory

Nataliya Shpylova-Saeed, Preceptor in Slavic Languages and Literatures (Ukrainian language program)
George Grabowicz, Dmytro Cyzevs'kyj Professor of Ukrainian Literature (Emeritus), Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures
Bohdan Tokarskyi, Assistant Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures

A book talk and conversation with Nataliya Shpylova-Saeed, author of Russia’s Denial of Ukraine: Letters and Contested Memory (2024). In this book, a broader context for Russia’s denial of Ukraine’s rightful existence as a nation, which has erupted in the current war, is explored through the writings of major Ukrainian writers, particularly their letters. How did these narratives, which emerged as contested memories in the nineteenth century, come to be major factors in twenty-first century political and military actions? How did the contested memories circulate? And what can memory studies contribute to our understanding of the many forms of resistance seen in contemporary Ukraine?

Co-sponsored by the Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University and the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Slavic Department at 617-495-4065 or slavic@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that the university will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.