From March 24 to 31, Ukrainian Week took place in France – a series of academic and public events focused on the development of Ukrainian studies, historical memory, diplomacy, culture, and partnerships. It was initiated by the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the Support of Education, Science, and Sports.
Throughout the week, events, lectures, and historical discussions were held at the Grenoble Institute of Political Studies, the University of Lorraine, the Center for International Mobility, the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Paris, the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations, and Sorbonne University.
For decades, Russia has used a network of its institutions to spread Russian narratives. Russians funded Western “Russian studies” programs where European students studied Ukrainian history and culture through Russian textbooks. Ukraine’s counter-strategy focuses on studying the Ukrainian language, culture, and history without distortion.
“Academic cooperation helps the world see Ukraine not through foreign imperial stereotypes, but as an independent part of European civilization that has much to offer global scholarship. The truth about Ukraine, embedded in university programs and academic research, is the most reliable protection against propaganda – one that will work for years to come,” said Olha Budnyk, Advisor – Commissioner of the President of Ukraine on the Fund of the President of Ukraine for the Support of Education, Science, and Sports.
During Ukrainian Week, memorandums of cooperation were signed between the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies and Lumière University Lyon 2 and University of Bordeaux. The partnerships provide for the exchange of academic data, as well as the launch of joint courses, research, conferences, and public events. In addition, Simon Persico, Director of Sciences Po Grenoble, signed an official letter of intent to cooperate with the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies. As a result, the total number of French universities participating in the coalition has increased to 16.
“I am grateful to all partners who understand the importance of developing Ukrainian studies at their universities. Today, France is a leader in the number of signed memorandums, which reflects growing interest in Ukraine and a willingness to study it more deeply. This means that even more students and researchers around the world will have the opportunity to learn about Ukraine – its language, history, and culture – firsthand. At the same time, this is an effective response to years of Russian disinformation. This is precisely the goal of the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies – to foster deep and accurate knowledge about Ukraine worldwide,” emphasized First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.
The Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies is a state initiative operating under the patronage of the First Lady of Ukraine. It brings together 74 participants from 26 countries, with another 130 foreign institutions having expressed interest in joining.