“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 we ensure that the memory of the Holodomor is preserved in future generations?
**Interview with Dr. Anna Petrenko, Historian and Expert on Soviet History**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrenko. We’re here to discuss the recent statement by President Biden, who commemorated the victims of the Holodomor, which occurred 91 years ago. Can you provide us with some context about this tragic event?
**Dr. Petrenko:** Thank you for having me. The Holodomor was indeed a catastrophic famine that struck Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933. It’s estimated that millions of Ukrainians died due to starvation, largely as a result of the policies implemented by Joseph Stalin’s regime. These policies included forced collectivization of agriculture, which aimed to consolidate individual landholdings and labor into collective farms. The state also confiscated grain and other food supplies from the peasants, exacerbating the famine conditions in rural areas [[1](https://www.britannica.com/event/Holodomor)].
**Editor:** President Biden emphasized that this famine was a “forced and deliberate” act. How important is it to recognize the intentionality behind the Holodomor?
**Dr. Petrenko:** Recognizing the Holodomor as a man-made famine is crucial for understanding its impact. Many historians argue that the Soviet government deliberately created the conditions for starvation as a means to suppress Ukrainian nationalism and solidify control over the region. This acknowledgment is vital not only for historical accuracy but also for the ongoing discourse about human rights and state-sponsored atrocities [[1](https://www.britannica.com/event/Holodomor)].
**Editor:** And how does Biden’s statement relate to current events, especially his commitment to supporting Ukraine in light of the Russian invasion?
**Dr. Petrenko:** Biden’s statement serves as a reminder of Ukraine’s historical struggles against oppressive regimes. By recalling the Holodomor, he reinforces the narrative of resilience and resistance that defines Ukraine’s identity today. Moreover, it highlights the importance of international support for Ukraine as it faces new threats. This historical lens can foster a deeper understanding of Ukrainian people’s fight for sovereignty in the present context [[1](https://www.britannica.com/event/Holodomor)].
**Editor:** Lastly, what can be done to ensure that the memory of the Holodomor lives on, especially among younger generations?
**Dr. Petrenko:** Education is key. Integrating the history of the Holodomor into school curricula, promoting scholarly research, and encouraging public memorials can help preserve the memory of this tragic event. Furthermore, international recognition, similar to what we’ve seen from President Biden, is essential for commemorating the victims and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated. We must continue to advocate for awareness and dialog about the Holodomor and its implications on contemporary global issues [[1](https://www.britannica.com/event/Holodomor)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Petrenko, for your insights on this critical topic. It’s vital to remember our history as we navigate current challenges.
**Dr. Petrenko:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss this important subject.
