“Decolonizing Ukraine: Indigenous Peoples and Pathways to Freedom,” by Greta Uehling, presents a deeply human, ethnographic account of the war’s lesser-known beginnings — tracing the lives transformed by Russia’s 2014 occupation of Ukraine’s Crimean province.
“Drawing upon extensive research I carried out in Ukraine, I bring readers into the lives of people who opposed Russia’s takeover of Crimea, many of whom fled for government-controlled Ukraine,” Uehling said. “The book therefore provides vital historical and cultural context for comprehending recent events.”
Uehling, who has worked with the Crimean Tatar community since the 1990s, was inspired to write the book after witnessing how their stories have been overlooked. She said it was important for her to share those stories with readers.
“I’m convinced that such an approach generates knowledge that is otherwise unavailable,” Uehling said. “After all, conventional accounts of Russia’s war against Ukraine treat Crimea as virtually unpeopled: it is merely a background or staging area for the power struggles of states. The people there provide unique, even prescient perspectives.”
“Decolonizing Ukraine” not only recounts oppression but it also uplifts resilience of the Crimean Tatar community. Uehling’s favorite part of her book details the Crimean barricade.
“The barricade, which was led by a Crimean Tatar but included people of other ethnicities, shows us the Crimean Tatars’ unwavering commitment to regain access and self-determination on their ancestral lands,” Uehling said. “This commitment will not fade, even if the defense of Ukraine is unsuccessful in regaining the territory at the war’s end.”
“Decolonizing Ukraine” is ideal for readers interested in gaining an understanding of Russia’s war on Ukraine, indigenous populations, human rights and the untold personal stories behind war, occupation and cultural resilience.
“I hope readers will come away with a deeper appreciation of Ukraine’s efforts to be free of Russian domination not only militarily, but culturally, linguistically, and cognitively,” Uehling said.
In addition to being an author, Uehling is an anthropologist and professor at the University of Michigan. She is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information about the author and her work, visit gretauehling.com.
“Decolonizing Ukraine: Indigenous Peoples and Pathways to Freedom” is available for $40 via Rowmanandlittlefield.com and anywhere books are sold.
