Ukrainians in former Soviet Republics

[Rusnak]

Can anyone offer information on this subject - Ukrainians or those of Ukrainian descent living in the former Republics? I often see news items with persons having obvious Ukrainian surnames in places like Latvia and the Russian Far East. Usually they are referred to as Russians. Of course we all know how they got there:

1)from emigration for jobs

2)by force, probably for being guilty of being Ukrainian


But not much is written about this large group of people: to what degree they have been russified, if they still think of themselves as Ukrainians, details of when and how they arrived in the far corners of the Russian Empire, etc.

Can anyone offer their opinions or knowledge?

[NORRYM]

The general knowledge leads one to conclude, that both of your assumptions are correct. In what proportion this takes place, that's another question?

The fatherland Ukraine is too mired too much in a mess, to care for its scattered children. This, unfortunately is a huge disappointment for all concerned.

[Rusnak]

Norrym, is that the best you can do? You usually have a wealth of insight, even if I don't always agree. I've been looking for info myself. This is hot off the press, in today's BBC News about the Ukrainian Catholics in Latvia. Here is the url link-

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/wor...00/1269095.stm

I was going to post this on the new guy's Steve Lee's thread about Politics & Religion, but decided it would be most appropriate in my own thread....

[NORRYM]

Am I missing something in the translation? The provided link has no connection with my opinion on the dismal state of Ukraine. It {the staste} remains dismal. Show me, why it ian't so?

Ukrainian community in Estonia does what is suitable to it. Does the reality across the board change in any way?

I fail to get a message? Do you, per chance, hint that event as a paradigm to follow -- for Ukrainians to get kissy-kissy with the Russians?

If that is so, here is my view on that. Firstly, the situation between the U's and the R's is entirely of a different nature. It is UNiQUE. Secondarily, there are numerous historical precedents, to provide a counter-indicative signal. Thirdly, it is an inopportune time for anything of that nature -- Ukraine's priority is to solidify its independence, by removing the present government.

If you care to debate this -- please, be my guest. Remaining cryptic, will not resolve the issue.



emkay/04/10/01

[Rusnak]

Norrym,

With all due respect, what the heck are you talking about? You seem to be way off my thread! My thread does not care about the dismal state of Ukraine. Perhaps if you will read the title "Ukrainians in former Soviet Republics", you will come to understand that this is all I am looking for information on.

You have a lot of knowledge, but it is my sincere belief that you have under the delusion that everybody on this post has some secret agenda. Dude, I am not pro Russian or any thing else, nor am I trying to imply that. And if I have an opinion, I will state it outright.

THE ONLY THING I WANT TO KNOW ON THIS THREAD IS ANYTHING ABOUT UKRAINIANS LIVING IN THE FORMER REPUBLICS - NO POINT TO MAKE AND NO AXE TO GRIND. I JUST THOUGHT THAT THIS IS ONE HISTORICAL SUBJECT THAT WOULD BE VERY INTERESTING - FROM ANY CONTEXT. THEY ARE AN OVERLOOKED GROUP I'D LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT...

[NORRYM]

Time out. Let me lay it out. I respect your prerogative, to set boundaries on your thread. But before apologizing for an alleged transgression, let me explain in simple terms.

If the internal conditions in Ukraine were nearly normal, there would have been an abundance of material, for one to peruse, about Ukraine's sons and doughters scattered across the globe. As the situation really presents itself -- Ukraine under Kuchma is bedragled and confused. Hardly anything is normal in Ukraine these days -- the corruption is rampant, the government is besmirched and globally shunned. The population, as a whole is lethargic, and the only concern they show for their brethren abroad, is when to stretch their hand for more dollars.

With all that in mind, I took liberty in making the connection with your thread's main theme, concernining the overlooked Ukrainians of the former USSR. Do I deserve to be reprimanded and put to test for that?

As a mature thread originator, you should expect mature and imaginative reactions -- and not a simplistic reportage or statistics on everyone's whereabouts. Life is not that drab and simple.This is not a forum for demographic studies.


emkay/04/10/01

[Edited by NORRYM on 11th April 2001 at 02:02]

[Irinka]

Hi Rusnak!
I have travelled all over the former USSR before and after the "break off" and have found small and large Ukrainian communities in just about every "republic".
I have spent a considerable amount of time in Kamchatka and have met quite a few Ukrainians, most of them are those left over from the Stalin times and others have migrated there to be in the fisheries business. The ones that I have met, still speak fluent Ukrainian and are Orthodox.
It was apparent that even though they have been subjected to years of communism and Russification (sp?), it hasn't changed their beliefs or language. They bring up their kids speaking Ukrainian and attending an Orthodox church and will remain so determined untill the ground starts to shake and the world ends
Also i remember seeing quite a few Ukrainians living in Alma-Ata (Kazakhstan), and they are just like the Ukrainians I have met in Kamchatka and everywhere else, quite determined to stay Ukrainian no matter what!
I'm so proud to be part of such a strong-willed culture!
My answer probably didn't help you much, I hope more people post in your thread.

Irinka