Historical Claims on Kiev: Russians or Ukrainians?

The debate over historical claims on Kiev between Russians and Ukrainians has been a contentious subject for centuries. This article examines the historical roots of these claims and explores the complex interplay of ethnic, cultural, and political factors that shape the narrative.

The Evolution of Kiev and the Russian State

The story of Kiev's history is a tale spanning several centuries, and it is important to understand the historical context to resolve the claims. From the XIII to XVI centuries, the region known as Kiev experienced a series of territorial and political changes:

Yavlinsky-Suzdal Principality (Till XVI Century): The Vladimir-Suzdal principality, which later became known as the Moscow Pincipality and Grand Duchy of Moscow, eventually evolved into the Moscow Tsardom and then the Russian Empire. Kiev's Annexation by Lithuania (Middle XIV Century): In the Middle XIV century, Kiev was conquered by the Lithuanian Prince Algirdas Olgierd and became a province of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania until the late XVI century. Polish Annexation (Second Half of XVI Century): Later, Kiev was annexed by the Polish Kingdom, which further complicates any straightforward claim of Russian or Ukrainian sovereignty. Russian Imperial Era (Second Half of XVII - First XX Century): Kiev was conquered by Moscow in the late XVI century and remained a Russian Empire province until the beginning of the XX century. It eventually gained partial sovereignty as the Ukrainian Soviet Republic before achieving full sovereignty in 1991.

The Historical Geography of Kievan Rus

Historical scholars have provided insight into the early origins of Kievan Rus. Kievan Rus wasn't a purely Russian or Ukrainian state but a country that included all the Russic peoples:

Early Rus (12th Century): The early genesis of the Russians appeared on the historical map in the XII century. The Rostov-Suzdal principality, located in what is now Central Russia, was the birthplace of the early Russians. Rus Land (Central Ukraine in the 10-13th Century): When analyzing the text of the main chronicle of Kievan Rus (the Tale of Bygone Years) and later documents, it's clear that the Rus or Rus Land referred to a small territory in the Middle Dnieper. This area fits within the borders of present-day Ukraine. Ethnocultural Continuity: The ethnonym Rus, which referred to a Slavic people who lived primarily in what is now Central Ukraine, didn't equate with the Russians as we understand them today. The word "Rus" was not synonymous with "Russian" until a later period.

The Linguistic and Ethno-Cultural Evolution

The linguistic and ethno-cultural evolution of the region is complex:

Language Shift: In Zalesye, the local Finno-Ugric population began to adopt a Slavic language, as rulers introduced it as the language of power and prestige. This linguistic shift is similar to how other regions, such as Romania, adopted Latin as their language. Emergence of New Ethnicities: The process of forming the ethnic group known as Russians involved deep miscegenation, primarily from the 11th century onwards. This resulted in a new ethnic group, distinct from the Slavic peoples of Rus. State Formation: The Russian state emerged under the shadow of the Golden Horde. Russian lands were originally part of the western ulus of the Horde, gradually gaining independence and eventually absorbing much of the Horde's lands.

Current Understanding and Identity

The current understanding of the region's identity has evolved over time:

Ukrainian Autonomy: Ukrainians have a long-standing history of identifying as Rus. They call themselves Rus to this day, while Russians call themselves Moskva in earlier documents and later transformed to Russians. Modern Claims: Although both Russians and Ukrainians lay historical claims to Kiev, historical and linguistic analysis highlights the continuity of the Ukrainian people from the Rus era to the present. Cultural Continuity: The cultural and linguistic continuity between the people of Rus and modern Ukrainians is evident and has not been challenged by any significant historical evidence.

In conclusion, the historical narrative of Kiev is a complex tapestry of multiple claims and identities. While the Russian state absorbed significant parts of the region, the continuous ethno-cultural and linguistic heritage of the Ukrainians is undeniable. This historical legacy continues to shape the modern identities of both nations.