Much of Ukrainian identity comes from the Cossacks. The most famous portrayal of them is in a painting, where they brainstorm to tell a Sultan off. Maybe this is where Zelenskyy gets his inspiration?
I’m a huge supporter of Ukraine against its Russian foe, and I consider Zelenskyy a hero of Churchillian stature. I admire the fierce spirit with which the Ukrainian people are defending their freedom and homeland and have contributed multiple times toward the country’s air defense, (not to mention ongoing support of this excellent publication).
Therefore, I cannot help but notice and comment that this post completely ignores another chapter of the Cossack history and identity — one that likely impacted Zelenskyy’s family a century or so ago. (It drove mine out of Ukraine amid a mass exodus to the US, Canada and what became Israel decades later.)
From the time of their founding through the first part of the 20th century, the Cossacks attacked Jewish villages across Ukraine, looting, raping and murdering their inhabitants. These rampant pogroms, as they were called, deserve to be mentioned in any history of the Cossacks.
I’m surprised and disappointed that the usually excellent Counteroffensive journalists didn’t mention it, even in a footnote.
Perhaps they’re not teaching that part of Ukrainian history in school now? If so, that’s a huge (and potentially dangerous) failure in the education system.
I hope not! In so many ways, Ukraine has come so far from its corrupt, virulently antisemitic history, electing its first-ever Jewish president in 2019 and seemingly modeling coexistence.
It is clear to me that what the Cossacks represent is very different to Ukrainians than to those of non Ukrainian Jews.
Zelenskyy has frequently made mention of how the Cossacks form the basis for Ukrainian defiance.
The Cossack image in Ukrainian national identity has been reinterpreted over centuries, and Zelenskyy embodies that modern, inclusive defiance.
Here is how Zelenskyy has spoken about it.
1. August 24, 2021 – Statehood Day remarks
“We are a young family from the glorious dynasty of Kyivan Rus’ — Ukraine… From a brave ancestry. Wise ancestry. Cossack ancestry. We are not orphans or foundlings. We are descendants of a powerful country…”
3. August 24, 2021 – Independence Day Parade (30th anniversary)
During the parade marking the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, Zelenskyy’s administration orchestrated a ceremonial program covering Ukraine’s history “from Kyivan Rus’ to modern Ukraine—the Cossack era, literary Ukraine.”
Thank you for supporting Ukraine and for the honest reminder about the difficult chapters of our history. You are right: the pogroms and violence against Jewish communities are a tragic part of the past, and they should not be ignored. At the same time, there are a few things to consider.
First, not all Cossacks participated in these events, and many, on the contrary, saved Jews. Second, it is precisely the acknowledgment of these mistakes and the continued development of democratic values that give Ukraine the strength to change. The fact that Ukrainians elected a Jewish president in 2019 is a powerful testament to how far we have come from our xenophobic past.
I acknowledged that extraordinary progress in my comment; it’s one of the reasons why I can support Ukraine today despite its history. And I don’t know that it’s accurate to say that “every” Cossack participated in the pogroms, but enough did at every level — from planning to executing to excusing — to justify naming them in that history.
Even if a few or some did not, this does not excuse ignoring this aspect of Cossack history in a post celebrating Cossacks.
We truly appreciate all the comments highlighting the controversial aspects of Cossack history. We fully acknowledge the violent and antisemitic episodes associated with that period. Ukrainian history across those centuries is complex and often painful.
When we say that modern Ukrainians see themselves in the legacy of the Cossacks, we refer to the ideals they symbolize today: freedom, dignity, independence, brotherhood, and honor.
A significant part of our school history program includes Jewish history, including the chapters we are not proud of. As a nation that has suffered greatly from oppression, we are always actively reflecting on the prejudices of our own past, too.
JVG — your point is well taken. We are working now to put together an addition to the story that acknowledges this chapter and point out that the modern Ukrainian memory of Cossacks (and why they praise them) is not connected with these shameful acts
The entire message from the Cossacks is worth reading:
"The cursed Sultan, Turkish Caesar's son, and attendant of the infernal Lucifer in the abyss of hell, Turkish emperor, footstool of the Greeks, cook of Macedonians, locksmith of Babylonians, wheelwright of Jerusalem, drunkard of Assyria, swineherd of greater and lesser Egypt, sausage of Alexandria, and dog of Armenians, the cursed childish knave upon earth and the world, the great fool of Kamenets-Podolsky and the country, and a nasty pig in the world, the Turkish biter of men, the commander of the whole hellish empire in the deep abyss of hell, an angel of the infernal devil, a mocker of the crucified God, enemy and persecutor of his servants, below all those who live above, the downfaller of the bishop men: We report to you that we have no thoughts of surrendering to you, but are bravely, manfully, and eternally resolved to fight you and whomever you call a fellow, together with a great monarch whom, according to your legends, as a fellow fells the wood in the forest, so he will fall down upon you, and your busurmans, and all your followers, and especially you, who can be compared not to a fellow, but rather to a cursed old woman, if one may even call you so, you sit in a hole like a devil, or a hen-thief, who changes his nest in the war to another, one which shows that you are a fool, instead of the one you call a boy, who is a brave, powerful monarch and invincible king."
Ireland had much the same problems as Ukraine. Eventually, after over 100 years of their conquest of England, the Normans invaded Ireland, using cavalry which the Irish had not developed, they conquered the defending forces in less than a day in 1169. The Normans became the ruling English and ruled Ireland until 1921.
We do have very similar fates ☘️ One of Kyiv’s theatres is performing “Translations” by Brian Friel — a play about how the English were renaming Irish towns to English, and people love it and find it very relatable!
Interesting comparison! Indeed, Ireland was under English rule for a long time, and their struggle for independence was very difficult. What do you think helps nations endure during long periods of oppression more — military strength or the preservation of culture and language?
As I read today’s column, and as always, the comments, I thought about my own familial background and struggles. I am Armenian, and have taught university courses on our history; I believe this is why I identify so closely with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. As you probably know, Armenians in Turkey were oppressed and slaughtered by the Ottomans in the early 20th century. Fortunately, my grandparents were not among the million and a half killed. But their escapes from starvation and torture reminded me of stories of Ukrainian resilience in the face of Russian evil in places like Bucha.
I will always support Ukraine against any aggressor, particularly Putin and Russia. All that death and destruction simply to satisfy his sick need for conquest.
Thank you, Ukrainian journalists for your reporting. It allows us elsewhere to get a sense of what you’re going through.
This article was amazingly interesting. This is the first time I can acknowledge that the comments were just as amazing. So glad I took the time to read it.
love this issue. regardless I feel much better with some of the good news in this issue. history can have positive impact on the war save Ukraine. Save Ukraine, please
I love the update of the painting. My grandfather came from Trondheim, the Viking capital. In fact, my mother's parents came from Norway and my father's from Sweden. I grew up hearing about the Vikings and their valor in battle, the first parliament, the Althing in Iceland, their culture of equality, and their love of freedom and independence. They also valued truth and courage. I wish I had money to give you, but I'm retired from teaching and need to help out my kids. Housing prices - including the apartment my daughter & kids live in - are unreal, and the price of groceries is rising every time I go to the store. But my heart is with you, and I pray for you along with the people of Gaza, Iran and Native Americans. Hope it helps.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words! The story of your family and the values passed down to you are truly inspiring. What you mentioned about courage, freedom, and equality deeply resonates with us today.
And thank you for your support! That means a lot to me and to all Ukrainians. Take care of yourself and your family!
We in the U.S. have our revolutionary heroes who fought off a tyrannical King in the name of freedom (I must say for some) and now, a faction backed in part by our common enemy is fighting to rip apart our Constitution and Install a monarchy or at least an autocracy.
I wish I knew - I’d charge into the occupied streets of DC but who will follow? People are protesting, but we need to get bigger. ETA we have a big network of propaganda and an oligarch driven information control problem in this country.
I’m a huge supporter of Ukraine against its Russian foe, and I consider Zelenskyy a hero of Churchillian stature. I admire the fierce spirit with which the Ukrainian people are defending their freedom and homeland and have contributed multiple times toward the country’s air defense, (not to mention ongoing support of this excellent publication).
Therefore, I cannot help but notice and comment that this post completely ignores another chapter of the Cossack history and identity — one that likely impacted Zelenskyy’s family a century or so ago. (It drove mine out of Ukraine amid a mass exodus to the US, Canada and what became Israel decades later.)
From the time of their founding through the first part of the 20th century, the Cossacks attacked Jewish villages across Ukraine, looting, raping and murdering their inhabitants. These rampant pogroms, as they were called, deserve to be mentioned in any history of the Cossacks.
I’m surprised and disappointed that the usually excellent Counteroffensive journalists didn’t mention it, even in a footnote.
Perhaps they’re not teaching that part of Ukrainian history in school now? If so, that’s a huge (and potentially dangerous) failure in the education system.
I hope not! In so many ways, Ukraine has come so far from its corrupt, virulently antisemitic history, electing its first-ever Jewish president in 2019 and seemingly modeling coexistence.
Slava tolerant and egalitarian Ukraini!
Thank you for pointing that out.
It is clear to me that what the Cossacks represent is very different to Ukrainians than to those of non Ukrainian Jews.
Zelenskyy has frequently made mention of how the Cossacks form the basis for Ukrainian defiance.
The Cossack image in Ukrainian national identity has been reinterpreted over centuries, and Zelenskyy embodies that modern, inclusive defiance.
Here is how Zelenskyy has spoken about it.
1. August 24, 2021 – Statehood Day remarks
“We are a young family from the glorious dynasty of Kyivan Rus’ — Ukraine… From a brave ancestry. Wise ancestry. Cossack ancestry. We are not orphans or foundlings. We are descendants of a powerful country…”
Source: https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/prezident-mi-spadkoyemci-derzhavnosti-yaka-isnuvala-ponad-ti-70329
2. July 15, 2025 – Statehood Day address
“They have their roots in Kyivan Rus, continuation in the Cossack state, and their living force today – the force of Ukraine…”
Source: https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/zvernennya-prezidenta-volodimira-zelenskogo-z-nagodi-dnya-uk-99025
3. August 24, 2021 – Independence Day Parade (30th anniversary)
During the parade marking the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, Zelenskyy’s administration orchestrated a ceremonial program covering Ukraine’s history “from Kyivan Rus’ to modern Ukraine—the Cossack era, literary Ukraine.”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyiv_Independence_Day_Parade
Thank you for supporting Ukraine and for the honest reminder about the difficult chapters of our history. You are right: the pogroms and violence against Jewish communities are a tragic part of the past, and they should not be ignored. At the same time, there are a few things to consider.
First, not all Cossacks participated in these events, and many, on the contrary, saved Jews. Second, it is precisely the acknowledgment of these mistakes and the continued development of democratic values that give Ukraine the strength to change. The fact that Ukrainians elected a Jewish president in 2019 is a powerful testament to how far we have come from our xenophobic past.
I acknowledged that extraordinary progress in my comment; it’s one of the reasons why I can support Ukraine today despite its history. And I don’t know that it’s accurate to say that “every” Cossack participated in the pogroms, but enough did at every level — from planning to executing to excusing — to justify naming them in that history.
Even if a few or some did not, this does not excuse ignoring this aspect of Cossack history in a post celebrating Cossacks.
A reply from Sofia, one of the authors:
We truly appreciate all the comments highlighting the controversial aspects of Cossack history. We fully acknowledge the violent and antisemitic episodes associated with that period. Ukrainian history across those centuries is complex and often painful.
When we say that modern Ukrainians see themselves in the legacy of the Cossacks, we refer to the ideals they symbolize today: freedom, dignity, independence, brotherhood, and honor.
A significant part of our school history program includes Jewish history, including the chapters we are not proud of. As a nation that has suffered greatly from oppression, we are always actively reflecting on the prejudices of our own past, too.
Thank Sofia for her response please. I’m glad to hear that this difficult history is taught in Ukrainian schools.
JVG — your point is well taken. We are working now to put together an addition to the story that acknowledges this chapter and point out that the modern Ukrainian memory of Cossacks (and why they praise them) is not connected with these shameful acts
I look forward to reading it.
The entire message from the Cossacks is worth reading:
"The cursed Sultan, Turkish Caesar's son, and attendant of the infernal Lucifer in the abyss of hell, Turkish emperor, footstool of the Greeks, cook of Macedonians, locksmith of Babylonians, wheelwright of Jerusalem, drunkard of Assyria, swineherd of greater and lesser Egypt, sausage of Alexandria, and dog of Armenians, the cursed childish knave upon earth and the world, the great fool of Kamenets-Podolsky and the country, and a nasty pig in the world, the Turkish biter of men, the commander of the whole hellish empire in the deep abyss of hell, an angel of the infernal devil, a mocker of the crucified God, enemy and persecutor of his servants, below all those who live above, the downfaller of the bishop men: We report to you that we have no thoughts of surrendering to you, but are bravely, manfully, and eternally resolved to fight you and whomever you call a fellow, together with a great monarch whom, according to your legends, as a fellow fells the wood in the forest, so he will fall down upon you, and your busurmans, and all your followers, and especially you, who can be compared not to a fellow, but rather to a cursed old woman, if one may even call you so, you sit in a hole like a devil, or a hen-thief, who changes his nest in the war to another, one which shows that you are a fool, instead of the one you call a boy, who is a brave, powerful monarch and invincible king."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Correspondence_between_the_Ottoman_sultan_and_the_Cossacks
Ireland had much the same problems as Ukraine. Eventually, after over 100 years of their conquest of England, the Normans invaded Ireland, using cavalry which the Irish had not developed, they conquered the defending forces in less than a day in 1169. The Normans became the ruling English and ruled Ireland until 1921.
We do have very similar fates ☘️ One of Kyiv’s theatres is performing “Translations” by Brian Friel — a play about how the English were renaming Irish towns to English, and people love it and find it very relatable!
Interesting comparison! Indeed, Ireland was under English rule for a long time, and their struggle for independence was very difficult. What do you think helps nations endure during long periods of oppression more — military strength or the preservation of culture and language?
As I read today’s column, and as always, the comments, I thought about my own familial background and struggles. I am Armenian, and have taught university courses on our history; I believe this is why I identify so closely with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. As you probably know, Armenians in Turkey were oppressed and slaughtered by the Ottomans in the early 20th century. Fortunately, my grandparents were not among the million and a half killed. But their escapes from starvation and torture reminded me of stories of Ukrainian resilience in the face of Russian evil in places like Bucha.
I will always support Ukraine against any aggressor, particularly Putin and Russia. All that death and destruction simply to satisfy his sick need for conquest.
Thank you, Ukrainian journalists for your reporting. It allows us elsewhere to get a sense of what you’re going through.
Thank you so much for your support! It means a lot
What can one say? Slava Ukraini!
Heroyam Slava!
This article was amazingly interesting. This is the first time I can acknowledge that the comments were just as amazing. So glad I took the time to read it.
love this issue. regardless I feel much better with some of the good news in this issue. history can have positive impact on the war save Ukraine. Save Ukraine, please
My favorite art always includes humor. Without it, we're all just peasants born to pull turnips. Cossack humor is excellent. Slava Ukraini!
I love the update of the painting. My grandfather came from Trondheim, the Viking capital. In fact, my mother's parents came from Norway and my father's from Sweden. I grew up hearing about the Vikings and their valor in battle, the first parliament, the Althing in Iceland, their culture of equality, and their love of freedom and independence. They also valued truth and courage. I wish I had money to give you, but I'm retired from teaching and need to help out my kids. Housing prices - including the apartment my daughter & kids live in - are unreal, and the price of groceries is rising every time I go to the store. But my heart is with you, and I pray for you along with the people of Gaza, Iran and Native Americans. Hope it helps.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words! The story of your family and the values passed down to you are truly inspiring. What you mentioned about courage, freedom, and equality deeply resonates with us today.
And thank you for your support! That means a lot to me and to all Ukrainians. Take care of yourself and your family!
We in the U.S. have our revolutionary heroes who fought off a tyrannical King in the name of freedom (I must say for some) and now, a faction backed in part by our common enemy is fighting to rip apart our Constitution and Install a monarchy or at least an autocracy.
But how do you think, can society once again unite around the idea of defending freedom, just as it did during the Revolution?
I wish I knew - I’d charge into the occupied streets of DC but who will follow? People are protesting, but we need to get bigger. ETA we have a big network of propaganda and an oligarch driven information control problem in this country.