“91 years ago, Stalin and the Soviet regime created the Ukraine Crisis | History of Russian-Ukrainian grievances: Putin calls "brother country" Russia's annexation of Crimea triggers Ukraine-Russia break (11:44) – 20220222 – International – Instant News”>Holodomor, a forced and deliberate famine that killed millions of Ukrainians,” says a statement from the White House / Photo: EFE
The president of the United States, Joe Biden, this Saturday remembered the victims of the Holomodor, the name by which the severe famine is known that devastated the Ukrainian population between 1932 and 1933 under Joseph Stalin’s Soviet Union, and has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and defending Ukraine in the midst of the Russian invasion.
“91 years ago, Stalin and the Soviet regime created the Holodomor, a forced and deliberate famine that killed millions of Ukrainians. Now we remember those men, women and children who perished during this stage,” the president said, according to a statement. from the White House.
Thus, he has honored the survivors and their descendants who, “despite Stalin’s efforts to eradicate Ukrainian national identity, have built an independent and free democracy.”
“Today, as we mark the anniversary of the Holodomor, we renew our commitment to the people of Ukraine in a time of need. For almost three years, Russia has been carrying out brutal aggression against the Ukrainian people in an attempt to wipe them off the map. In its effort, Russia has failed,” he asserted.
In this sense, he stressed that kyiv “remains free thanks in part to the support of the United States and more than 50 countries that have shown their commitment and have sent help to defend itself.”
“My message to the Ukrainian people is clear: the United States honors your past and stands with you in the present. On this day, we affirm our commitment to supporting and defending Ukraine to achieve freedom and justice,” he said. stated before stating that “the courage and strength of the Ukrainians will prevail.”
Washington / EFE
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How can understanding the historical context of the Holodomor inform current international relations, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Kovalenko, Historian and Expert on Ukrainian History**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kovalenko. We’re reflecting on President Joe Biden’s recent statement remembering the Holodomor and its implications in today’s context. Can you share with us the significance of the Holodomor in Ukrainian history?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Thank you for having me. The Holodomor was a catastrophic famine that struck Ukraine between 1932 and 1933, engineered by Joseph Stalin’s regime. It resulted in the deaths of millions of Ukrainians and is a critical part of our collective memory. The event is recognized as a genocide by Ukraine and many other countries, emphasizing the deliberate actions taken by the Soviet government against the Ukrainian people. It serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which totalitarian regimes will go to suppress opposition and enforce control.
**Editor:** President Biden mentioned that this year marks the 91st anniversary of the Holodomor and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts. How do you interpret this statement in the context of current events, particularly regarding the Russian invasion?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** President Biden’s statement is not just a commemoration but a vital political message. It highlights the historical oppression faced by Ukrainians and positions the current struggle against Russian aggression within that historical narrative. By linking the past with the present, Biden underscores the resilience of Ukrainians and their right to defend their sovereignty, which is crucial given the geopolitical tensions today. Supporting Ukraine is essential not only for their independence but also as a stand against authoritarianism globally.
**Editor:** The remembrance of such events can sometimes stir national sentiments. How important is it for nations to remember their historical traumas, particularly in the context of international relations?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Remembering historical traumas like the Holodomor is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters national identity and solidarity among citizens. Secondly, it serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of unchecked power. For international relations, acknowledging these past injustices can inform how nations interact today; it encourages empathy and a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by nations like Ukraine. It’s also a way to honor the victims and ensure that such atrocities are not repeated.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Kovalenko, for sharing your insights on this significant topic. Your perspective sheds light on the importance of historical memory in shaping current events and international relations.
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue these conversations, not only to honor the past but to inform our actions in the present and future.
