Eduard Gusak

Eduard Gusak is an international graduate student from Ukraine in Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. He is a recipient of the U.S. government pathway program “Uniting for Ukraine." He is president of the Ukrainian Student Association. 

Dear guests, thank you so much for joining us today. As a Ukrainian, I am grateful to see you here, thousands of miles away, demonstrating such profound concern for Ukraine. A heartfelt thank you to Iona Volynets for her incredible efforts in bringing us all together for this significant event.

Firstly, it's crucial to grasp the current situation concerning the war's impact on Ukrainian culture and heritage. Some Ukrainian territories are under occupation, where the local population endures numerous challenges. Among these is the suppression of the Ukrainian language, a prohibition pervading all aspects of public life, aiming to silence the sounds of our mother tongue. Additionally, access to information is severely restricted. Ukrainian TV and radio signals are blocked and replaced with content designed not to inform but to manipulate the narrative in favor of the occupiers.

The war has not only scarred our land but also our cultural heritage. Through these barbaric actions, there is an attempt to impose an alien narrative. Unfortunately, our heritage suffers extensive material damage as well. Russian forces have destroyed numerous libraries, academic institutions, and historical sites.

This strategy is not novel. Throughout history, oppressors have attempted to mute Ukrainian voices. During the Soviet era, there was a systematic campaign against Ukrainian writers: books were banned, authors persecuted, and their works labeled as dangerous for their potential to inspire unity and mobilize the populace towards independence and self-determination.

Going even further back, during the Russian Empire, significant repression was directed at the core of Ukrainian culture. Leaders, thinkers, artists – anyone embodying Ukrainian identity were targeted. This enduring pattern of cultural suppression aims to dilute and ultimately erase the unique identity of the Ukrainian people.

In conclusion, the war and the actions of our oppressors have profoundly affected Ukrainian culture. However, it's vital to remember that culture is not solely about physical heritage, such as books, libraries, or art, as important as these are. Culture lives within us, in our words, our actions, and our memories. As we stand together, united in the face of adversity, let's remember the resilience of our culture. Let us win the war, rebuild our country, and preserve and celebrate our heritage