Authors

Discussion

The topic is dedicated to an ancient Russian tradition that was initiated in the 18th century and is still used today. This is a tradition of manipulating historical facts in order to influence the consciousness of both residents of one’s own country and citizens of other states, through official historiography, works of fiction and fine arts. The effect of this tool is demonstrated on the example of one of the most famous figures in Ukrainian history – Ivan Mazepa.

The interpretation of the image of this historical figure by Russian historiography during the tsarist era, Soviet times, and also during the post-Soviet period is considered. Particular attention is paid to the instrumentalization of this image in the current Russian-Ukrainian Conscientious warfare.