Сучасні романи в жанрі альтернативної історії як реалізація супротиву українців російській агресії (частина ІІ)

Abstract

Anistratenko Antonina. Modern novels in the genre of alternative history as an implementation of the resistance of Ukrainians to russian aggression (the second part). The novelty of the study. Due to Russia’s genocidal war aimed at the destruction of Ukraine in the 21st century, the factors shaping national identity have become of paramount importance. The aim of the article. This study identifies, analyses, and contextualises the latest alternative history novels, such as «The Third Tercium» (2019) and «Reprints of the Unfinished Drafts» (2020) by Oleksandr Menshov. These works provide a comprehensive perspective on the ideological and informational struggle of Ukrainians, who found themselves within an enemy state. They also reveal the mechanisms Russia employs to erase Ukraine physically, culturally, and informationally. Methodology. The main method of the research id comparative analysis. Conclusions. Alternative history serves as a productive metaphor, offering insight into the potential course of 20th‑century European history – and the early 21st century – had Russia suffered defeat in its imperial ambitions, particularly in World War II. Such historical deconstructions are explored in Vasyl Kozhelyanko’s «Parade» trilogy: «Parade in Moscow», «Konotop», and «The Lord’s Human Zoo». These works illustrate how substituting patriotism, nationalism, and human‑c entrism with Moscow‑c entric cosmopolitanism, pacifism, and collectivism has historically reshaped ideologies. Ukrainian literature, especially classical works, preserves examples that lend themselves to alternative historical narratives. Oleksandr Menshov, a contemporary Ukrainian writer from Kherson, remained in his hometown during both the onset of war in 2014 and the full-scale Russian invasion. As of 2023, he has not left. His works engage with the necessity of countering the enemy while constructing an intrinsic ideological and informational arsenal to resist genocide – both in the present and the future. They emphasize Ukraine’s reestablishment as a victorious nation within Europe and the world. On the global cultural stage, this discourse extends to debunking Russian historical and literary fakes, exposing its ideological manipulations, and dismantling the false narratives of what Mikhail Epstein terms the Russian antimythology. The primary goal of this study is to outline and critically examine fundamental imperial myths and ideological constructs that have infiltrated Ukrainian culture and literature for centuries. These narratives were designed to facilitate gradual expansion, instil a Little Russia complex, and erase Ukrainian national identity. Perspectives for future research. A crucial part of this conversation is addressing the falsification of history, particularly the misrepresentation of key historical figures and their roles. Equally important is highlighting examples of national self‑representation that form the foundation of Ukraine’s cultural canon and drawing attention to the nation’s victories on Europe’s geopolitical map.