Authors

Discussion

Ukraine's process of decolonization extends beyond breaking ties with Russia. Ukrainian scholars and cultural practitioners are reclaiming knowledge after long being “othered” by external positions of power. 

As Ukrainian practitioners develop terminology and frameworks specific to their context, Western European researchers face a complex challenge: How can we contribute meaningfully to Ukrainian social sciences without perpetuating reductionist approaches or risking dismissal through miscommunication? Does the very act of a Western European scholar drawing conclusions about Ukraine imply a continuation of the "othering" process?

Drawing from my fieldwork in Kharkiv (2013), this presentation explores the challenge of recognizing our own biases despite awareness of their existence and the value of spaces for dialogue that allow for trust-building between researchers from Ukraine and abroad.