On the Media: Writing (and Rewriting) Russian History Hosted by Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger | Released February 26, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the On the Media Midweek podcast, host Brooke Gladstone delves into the intricate process of how Russian history is being rewritten to justify contemporary political agendas, particularly the invasion of Ukraine. Brooke is joined by Mikhail Zegar, a Russian investigative journalist and author of War and Punishment: Putin, Zelensky, and the Path to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine. Their conversation explores the myths propagated by Russian authorities, the historical context of Russian-Ukrainian relations, and the broader implications for free speech and government transparency.

Putin's Historical Narrative

The episode opens with Brooke marking the three-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She highlights how Russian President Vladimir Putin has been recasting historical narratives to legitimize the war. Specifically, Putin has been quoting Lenin to assert that Ukraine is an artificial creation, a "fake country born from the Bolshevik imagination."

Brooke Gladstone [01:23]: "This week started with President Putin quoting Lenin in saying that Ukraine was a fake country created by Lenin."

The Origins of the Unity Myth

Mikhail Zegar explains that the idea of Ukraine being inherently a part of Russia isn't a long-standing belief but rather a relatively recent construct. This myth traces back to a 300-year-old chronicle by German monk Akenti Gazelle, which falsely unified ancient Kyiv with Moscow, thereby erasing Ukraine's distinct national identity.

Mikhail Zegar [03:34]: "A myth of the unity of Slavic nations is very new. It was created only three centuries ago by that German person named in Akenti Gazelle."

Zegar discusses how Gazelle's Synopsis became a foundational text used by Russian historians from the 18th to the 20th century, solidifying the notion of a singular Russian identity encompassing Ukraine.

Ivan Mazepa: Symbol of Betrayal

The conversation moves to the historical figure Ivan Mazepa, a Ukrainian hetman who allied with Sweden against Russia in the early 18th century. Zegar explains how Mazepa's actions have been portrayed as a betrayal in Russian historiography, while Ukrainians view him as a national hero who prioritized his country's interests over imperial allegiance.

Mikhail Zegar [05:14]: "Ivan Mazepa...his symbolic choice is still considered for many years to be a symbolic betrayal by Russian historians...for Ukrainian historians, on the contrary, he chose his own people and his own nation."

This dual perception underscores the deep-seated tensions and differing historical narratives between the two nations.

Cultural Rejection and the Language Debate

Zegar addresses the current backlash against Russian culture in Ukraine, where Ukrainian writers and intellectuals distance themselves from Russian counterparts, even dissidents opposed to Putin. He criticizes the blanket rejection of Russian literary figures like Pushkin and Dostoevsky, arguing that such actions prevent meaningful dialogue and reconciliation.

Mikhail Zegar [07:06]: "Ukrainians blame not only Russian government and not only Vladimir Putin, but Russia as such, and all representatives of Russian culture...We should reconsider all the mistakes and crimes of Russian culture as well."

The discussion extends to the linguistic divide, with Putin and his supporters dismissing Ukrainian as merely a dialect of Russian. Zegar emphasizes the rich history and legitimacy of the Ukrainian language, which has survived despite prolonged suppression.

Mikhail Zegar [10:26]: "A lot of Russians...consider Ukrainian not as a real language, but as provincial Russian...the language that does not exist was banned and it still exists even after all those centuries."

Ukraine's Independence: Debunking Lenin's Myth

Addressing Putin's claim that Ukraine was a Lenin invention, Zegar clarifies that Ukraine's aspirations for independence predate Lenin. He highlights the role of Mikhail Krushevsky, a historian and the first head of the Ukrainian parliament, who championed Ukrainian autonomy following the collapse of the Russian Empire.

Mikhail Zegar [11:14]: "After the collapse of the Russian Empire...Mikhail Krushevsky...proclaimed the independent Ukrainian state."

Zegar argues that Ukraine's formation as an independent nation was a direct response to the Bolshevik coup, making Putin's assertions historically unfounded.

State-Controlled Russian Historiography

The episode delves into the manipulation of history by Russian authorities, a practice that dates back to Tsarist times and continues under the Soviet Union and Putin's regime. Zegar explains how state-appointed historians have consistently crafted narratives that support the ruling power's agenda, often at the expense of historical accuracy.

Mikhail Zegar [13:00]: "It was absolutely clear for Russian leaders that they have to create the version of Russian history that proves they deserve to be in power."

This control over historical narratives serves to justify imperial ambitions and aggressive policies, as seen in the current Russia-Ukraine conflict.

A Call for a People's History

Zegar advocates for a "people's history" of Russia that acknowledges and confronts past atrocities and imperialist actions. He believes that recognizing these historical truths is essential for preventing future conflicts and fostering a more honest national identity.

Mikhail Zegar [14:23]: "Imperial history is our disease and that future generations of Russians will not tread the same path if we, their ancestors, bear the punishment today."

Zegar emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in historical scholarship to break free from the cycle of revisionism.

Inspiration from American History Debates

Drawing parallels with American efforts to diversify historical narratives, Zegar finds inspiration in the ongoing debates about how history is taught and understood in the United States. He cites the establishment of the African American Museum in Washington, D.C., as a positive step towards inclusive history.

Mikhail Zegar [15:40]: "The debate about history in America is an inspiration for me because I think that every time we add another historical narrative to the traditional one, that's the way out."

Zegar advocates for Russian historians to adopt a similar approach, incorporating multiple perspectives to enrich and correct historical understanding.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Brooke and Zegar reflecting on the necessity of revising historical narratives to foster truth and reconciliation. By addressing and debunking longstanding myths, particularly those used to justify aggression, there is hope for a more transparent and peaceful future.

Brooke Gladstone [16:19]: "Michal, thank you very much."

Mikhail Zegar [16:21]: "Thank you. That was a pleasure talking to you."

Brooke wraps up by highlighting Zegar's contributions and teasing upcoming topics, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to uncovering and analyzing the complexities of media and history.

Key Takeaways

• Historical Revisionism: Russian authorities, particularly under Putin, have systematically rewritten history to legitimize political actions, especially regarding Ukraine.
• Myths of Unity: The false narrative of Russian-Ukrainian unity originates from misleading historical texts like Gazelle's Synopsis.
• Cultural and Linguistic Suppression: Efforts to delegitimize Ukrainian culture and language are central to undermining Ukraine's sovereignty.
• Call for Transparent Historiography: There is a pressing need for an honest and inclusive recounting of Russian history to prevent the repetition of past imperialist mistakes.
• Global Inspiration: Lessons from American historical debates can inform and inspire efforts to create a more accurate and inclusive historical narrative in Russia.

Notable Quotes:

• Brooke Gladstone [01:23]: "This week started with President Putin quoting Lenin in saying that Ukraine was a fake country created by Lenin."

• Mikhail Zegar [03:34]: "A myth of the unity of Slavic nations is very new. It was created only three centuries ago by that German person named in Akenti Gazelle."

• Mikhail Zegar [05:14]: "Ivan Mazepa...his symbolic choice is still considered for many years to be a symbolic betrayal by Russian historians...for Ukrainian historians, on the contrary, he chose his own people and his own nation."

• Mikhail Zegar [07:06]: "Ukrainians blame not only Russian government and not only Vladimir Putin, but Russia as such, and all representatives of Russian culture...We should reconsider all the mistakes and crimes of Russian culture as well."

• Mikhail Zegar [10:26]: "A lot of Russians...consider Ukrainian not as a real language, but as provincial Russian...the language that does not exist was banned and it still exists even after all those centuries."

• Mikhail Zegar [14:23]: "Imperial history is our disease and that future generations of Russians will not tread the same path if we, their ancestors, bear the punishment today."

• Mikhail Zegar [15:40]: "The debate about history in America is an inspiration for me because I think that every time we add another historical narrative to the traditional one, that's the way out."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights from the episode, providing a thorough understanding for those who have not listened to the podcast.