That is exactly why the Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is already at work.

This is a state initiative of Ukraine aimed at promoting Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar studies worldwide, countering fake narratives and distortions in academia, and fostering partnerships between Ukrainian and foreign universities. Applications to join the Coalition have already been submitted by 67 universities around the world.

Today in Vienna, we are signing memorandums of accession to the Coalition with four Austrian universities — those of Klagenfurt, Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck. These esteemed institutions issued statements in support of Ukraine and condemning Russian aggression during the very first month of the full-scale invasion.

I am also grateful that they maintain strong partnerships with their Ukrainian counterparts: the University of Vienna with Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the University of Klagenfurt with Yurii Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, the University of Innsbruck with V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, and Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University.

The lectures, courses, and events organized by these Austrian institutions are especially valuable, as for years Ukrainian history was presented in most European textbooks through the lens of Russian narratives (according to a study by the Ukrainian Institute, 2022).

But now, thanks to the Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, we are taking another step away from those Russian narratives.

The sooner the world begins to learn and understand the truth, the closer we will be to a just and secure world.

Source: Olena Zelenska