On November 22, 2024, Ukraine and the world remembered the victims of the Holodomor, one of the most devastating tragedies in Ukrainian history, as evidence mounts concerning modern genocidal practices by Russia against Ukrainians. This year marked the commemoration of the 91st anniversary of the Holodomor, which occurred under Joseph Stalin's regime between 1932 and 1933, resulting in the deaths of millions due to engineered famine. The initiative to memorialize the Holodomor has heightened urgency, as Ukraine grapples with the consequences of the current war with Russia, which has been marked by atrocities against civilians since its full-scale invasion began.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR), spoke at the forum entitled “Russia’s Genocidal Practices in Ukraine: From the Holodomor to the Russo-Ukrainian War.” He outlined how the Russian leadership has been preparing genocide against Ukraine long before the escalation of hostilities began. Budanov explained how execution lists were made to target not just military personnel but also teachers, journalists, and clergy who represented Ukrainian identity and values. "Execution lists were supposed to include Ukrainian language, literature, and history teachers, journalists, and public figures," Budanov emphasized, pointing to the systematic nature of these efforts.
The Holodomor itself was characterized by brutal policies of grain requisitioning, facilitated by forced collectivization, which stripped millions of Ukrainians of the means to secure their livelihoods. This was not merely an economic strategy; it aimed to destroy Ukrainian distinctiveness, as noted by historians who classify the Holodomor as genocide. Ukraine officially recognized the Holodomor as genocide in 2006, with increasing international acknowledgment over the years. This year, the commemoration coincided with pointed critiques of Russia’s contemporary actions which echo the genocidal strategies employed during the Holodomor.
During the forums and gatherings dedicated to remembrance, Ukrainian leaders drew parallels between the atrocities committed then and those occurring now. President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking at the Third International Conference on November 23, highlighted the irony of Ukraine’s struggle for food security today, as the country has emerged as a leader in global food aid. His remarks were framed within the broader historical narrative of Ukraine’s fight against oppression and its current generosity through initiatives like "Grain from Ukraine," which has distributed significant amounts of grain to nations hardest hit by food insecurity. "This programme is not just about grain; it’s about saving lives—children, families, and entire communities worldwide," Zelensky noted.
U.S. President Joe Biden also acknowledged the significance of the day by issuing statements reaffirming American support for Ukraine. Referring to the Holodomor as engineered by Stalin, he condemned the current Russian aggression which he compared to historical attempts to obliterate Ukrainian identity. Biden underscored the need for continued support for Ukraine, staunchly stating, "Kyiv stands free thanks to the United States and over 50 other nations committed to aiding Ukraine during its time of need."
These commemorations also took on international dimensions, as ceremonies were held globally, including events across the United States, where both Ukrainian communities and local support raised awareness of the tragedy and its continuing legacy. Mykhailo Savkiv, the president of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, emphasized the relevance of this commemoration amid Russia's current strategies, linking past and present genocides. "What happened more than 90 years ago and what is happening now, especially during these last 1000 days, is genocide," Savkiv remarked.
Concurrently, the impact of the Holodomor on collective Ukrainian memory cannot be overlooked. Ukrainian diaspora communities remain engaged through various commemorative activities, alongside discussions of human rights abuses occurring under Russian occupation. This momentum has aimed not just at remembrance, but at ensuring modern atrocities are recognized as part of the continuum of Russian attempts at oppression and eradication of Ukrainian identity.
Back home, Ukrainians continue to fight for survival and recognition under dire conditions as the war drags on. While many issues remain unresolved, the spirit of resilience persists. Observers note how past tragedies like the Holodomor serve as both history and warning, reminding the world of the repercussions of state-sponsored violence. This collective memory is echoed through vigils and educational programs which aim to instill awareness of historical injustices and the necessity for international vigilance against contemporary acts of aggression.
While countries around the world and various organizations push for wider acknowledgment of the Holodomor's classification as genocide, the debate continues among nations, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. Russia's longstanding refusal to acknowledge the Holodomor's genocide status parallels its current denial of crimes committed during the war, which includes mass deportations, the targeting of civilians, and suppression of Ukrainian cultural signs. Activists urge the global community to unite to combat the onslaught of disinformation about Ukraine's past and present, predicting the weaponization of history itself as part of Russia's broader strategy to delegitimize Ukraine's sovereign narrative.
The global event was reflected at local gatherings across Canada, such as the ceremony at Winnipeg’s City Hall where members of the Ukrainian community united to pay tribute. It served as both remembrance and demonstration of solidarity, with the community rallying for awareness, echoing sentiments of hope and reaffirming their enduring resolve against oppression. Through framed banners and lit monuments, they anchored their commitment to preserving the memory of the past as they engage with the devastating current reality.
Separately, the “Grain from Ukraine” initiative stands out as one of the most impactful fundraising endeavors aimed at directly countering modern-day famine crises tied to global conflict and supply chain disruptions, underlined by the shadows of the past famine. Underlining these efforts is the conviction to transform historical pain and survival narratives from the Holodomor to today’s challenges, working against the same backdrop of hunger and desperation. The ways Ukraine mobilizes its agricultural strengths today present not only fight against current adversities but as part of restoring justice and healing for future generations of Ukrainians.
Truly, the events surrounding the 2024 Holodomor commemorations signify more than remembrance; they embody resilience, hope, and the unyielding demand for justice, aimed at ensuring the scars of history do not influence future generations. The foundation laid by their past experiences infuses today’s struggle with meaning and the hope of solidarity as Ukraine continues to push for international recognition and aid.
Ukraine stands at the crossroads of its painful history, actively working against oppression both past and present, as it seeks to build itself anew on the global stage as not only survivors of historical atrocities, but as advocates for peace and security across the globe.
