Oleksandr Zinchenko in Czechia: Don’t Choose Populism — Rethink Your Past

Meetings with historian Oleksandr Zinchenko in Prague and Jihlava brought together Ukrainians seeking new knowledge and new opportunities for dialogue. A screening of the film “What If Chornovil”, a sharp discussion on populism and civic responsibility — this was the Relevant Dialogues programme.

The screening of “What If Chornovil” attracted attention and served as an entry point for a broader conversation about Ukrainian identity, political culture and the lessons of the past.

“Don’t Choose Populism”

Oleksandr Zinchenko addressed several pressing topics relevant to Ukrainians in the Czech Republic and the wider diaspora. One key message: there is no nation that has so badly “burned its hands” on populism. “Don’t choose populism. Rethink your past,” the historian urged.

An informed citizen, he argued, is one who possesses knowledge. At a time when disinformation and manipulation serve as weapons of hybrid warfare, this point resonates with particular urgency for Ukrainians living abroad.

Ukrainian Institute Expanding Its Projects

The meetings in Prague and Jihlava are part of the Ukrainian Institute in Prague’s strategy to expand its projects to other Czech cities — made possible thanks to support from the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation.

The Institute invites Ukrainian organisations across the Czech Republic to join its projects and is ready to bring guests and programmes to any city.