Historical Memory as a Factor in Shaping National Identity in Contemporary Ukraine

Abstract

Purpose. This article seeks to examine historical memory as the living fabric from which Ukrainian national identity is being woven today. It explores how war, the digital age, and the daily flow of information are reshaping the ways in which we remember ourselves as a nation and pass this knowledge on to future generations. Particular attention is given to what happens to shared memory and a sense of belonging to one's country when online education, social networks, and artificial intelligence technologies enter this process.

Methods. To address these questions, a range of research approaches was employed. Historical processes were compared, the findings of sociological surveys conducted by Ukrainian analytical centres between 2022 and 2025 were systematised, and the content of digital resources dedicated to national heritage was examined. A separate line of inquiry focused on how the infrastructure of digital humanities itself is organised and how it functions.

Results. The figures provided by the Democratic Initiatives Foundation, the Razumkov Centre, and the National Institute for Strategic Studies speak for themselves: following the start of the full-scale invasion, the share of citizens who confidently identify themselves as Ukrainians rose from 72 to 93 percent, while the proportion of those who consider Ukrainian to be their native language increased from 67 to 84 percent. The article also collects and classifies the main digital platforms that preserve Ukrainian historical memory and reflects on how well equipped they are to withstand information attacks. The more troubling side of the issue is not overlooked either, namely the ways in which artificial intelligence can be used to distort perceptions of the past.

Conclusions. The digitalisation of historical heritage today stands as perhaps the most effective means of strengthening Ukrainian identity. However, it cannot succeed on its own. What is needed is both consistent state support and the everyday work of helping people to think critically and recognise manipulation.