“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 does the memory of the Holodomor influence contemporary international support for Ukraine amidst current conflicts?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Kovalenko, Historian Specializing in Eastern European Studies**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kovalenko. President Biden recently recalled the Holodomor, emphasizing its historical significance and the suffering it caused. Can you share some background on this tragic event?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Certainly. The Holodomor refers to the catastrophic famine that occurred in Ukraine from 1932 to 1933, which resulted in the deaths of millions of Ukrainians. This famine was not a natural occurrence but a man-made atrocity orchestrated by Joseph Stalin and his regime. It was part of a wider campaign against the Ukrainian peasantry, aiming to quash their national identity and resistance against Soviet policies.
**Editor:** Biden’s statement also mentioned a deliberate nature behind the famine. How do historians interpret this aspect?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Many historians agree that the Soviet government’s policies regarding grain requisition and collectivization were intentionally harsh, leading to famine. The regime confiscated grain and food supplies while denying any international aid. This brutality was aimed at breaking the will of the Ukrainian people, promoting fear, and consolidating control over the region.
**Editor:** In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, how significant is it that Biden draws parallels to current events in his remarks?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** It’s highly significant. By recalling the Holodomor, Biden not only honors the memory of those who suffered but also reinforces the narrative of Ukrainian resilience against oppressive regimes. This historical context helps frame the current Russian invasion as part of a long struggle for sovereignty and identity. It signals a commitment to supporting Ukraine in both a historical and present-day context, emphasizing the need to recognise and remember past injustices.
**Editor:** What impact do you think these statements have on international perspectives regarding Ukraine?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Such statements can help garner international sympathy and support for Ukraine. They serve as a reminder that the current conflict is not isolated; it is rooted in a long history of oppression. By acknowledging the Holodomor, the international community is encouraged to understand the stakes involved and the significance of defending Ukraine’s sovereignty against imperialism.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Kovalenko, for your insights into how the remembrance of the Holodomor is interlinked with the current events in Ukraine.
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we remember our history to foster a more informed and compassionate international dialog.
