Ukraine, which is currently going through the dramatic trials of war, is at the same time at the forefront of the struggle for its place in the modern world. Striving to become part of the European community, our country faces the challenge of implementing European values, including tolerance, equality and support for minority rights. But is this way correct for Ukrainian society? Aren’t we losing national traditions by accepting new values that are foreign to us?
How European values are introduced to us
Since gaining independence, Ukraine has been trying to find its way between East and West. European integration became a strategic goal of the country after the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. The European Union offers not only economic opportunities, but also cultural transformation, which includes the introduction of rights and freedoms inherent in Western democracies.
One of the bright manifestations of this transformation is the growing support for the rights of the LGBT+ community in Ukraine. In recent years, the number of pride parades in large cities, such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, has increased significantly. These measures not only draw society’s attention to the rights of minorities, but also cause heated discussions about moral and ethical norms. In particular, the holding of LGBT parades on the territory of the Kharkiv region, which is on the border and regularly comes under fire, causes controversial reactions. Against the background of daily threats to people’s lives, such measures are perceived by many as untimely and provocative. This raises questions about society’s priorities at a time when the country is fighting for its existence.
Another step of the state authorities in this direction is the draft law on civil partnerships, which received support at the level of parliamentary committees. Thus, on August 9, the Verkhovna Rada’s Committee on National Health, Medical Care and Medical Insurance supported draft law No. 9103 on civil partnerships. People’s deputy Dmytro Gurin, one of its initiators, emphasized that homosexuality is not a disease or a disorder, and different types of sexuality are part of a large and diverse medical norm. According to him, the right to a family cannot depend on sexual orientation. This draft law provides for the official registration of partnerships, which should be available to heterosexual and same-sex couples, equating civil partners with close relatives in matters of property and inheritance rights, as well as social protection. However, it excludes the possibility of adopting children and taking custody of them.
This legislative initiative was also supported by other parliamentary committees, such as the committee on youth and sports, the committee on European integration, the committee on digital transformation and the committee on social policy and the protection of veterans’ rights. Also in October 2023, the draft law received approval from the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Justice, although the Ministry of Defense previously opposed it, citing a possible conflict with the Constitution and discrimination against military personnel who enter into traditional marriages.
According to supporters of the initiative, the adoption of such laws and the support of European values aim not only at formal integration into Europe, but also at building a fair society where every citizen will have equal rights, regardless of their orientation, gender or religion. But what does this mean for traditional Ukrainian society?
Historical values of the Ukrainian people
The Ukrainian people have always been distinguished by deep respect for their unique traditions. The values that were passed down from generation to generation became the basis for the formation of our national identity. Among them are respect for the family, religious faith, patriotism, love for one’s land and hospitality. For example, the role of religion in the life of Ukrainians is difficult to overestimate. For centuries, the Orthodox faith was not only a spiritual, but also a cultural basis for the people.
In addition, the importance of the family as an institution that unites entire generations is an integral part of the Ukrainian worldview. Historically, Ukrainian families were large, and each member of the family played an important role in its life. This created strong social and family ties, and also ensured the stability of society in the face of external threats. For Ukrainians, the family has always been not just a social unit, but the real center of the universe, where the main principle has always been high morality, especially of women. In rural communities, which for a long time remained the basis of Ukrainian society, family ties ensured stability and mutual support. Many families lived together for several generations, and each family member had their own responsibilities that helped the whole family survive and prosper.
One of the most striking manifestations of family values in Ukrainian culture are wedding ceremonies. A wedding has always been a holiday not only for the bride and groom, but also for the whole community. For example, a traditional Ukrainian wedding could last several days and included numerous rites and customs that symbolized the union of families, the blessing of elders and the creation of a new family. The embroidered towels, which were used during the ceremony, carried the symbolism of family and family happiness, passing these values from generation to generation.
Marriage in Ukrainian culture has always had a special meaning. It was not only a legal act, but also a spiritual union, which was sanctified before God and the community. Marriage laid the foundation for creating a new family, which was always perceived as an important mission for every person. Ukrainian wedding ceremonies have always emphasized the importance of marriage as a union of two families. For example, the “wedding” ceremony symbolized the spiritual union of the bride and groom, as well as their families. After the wedding, the newlyweds received a blessing from their elders, which symbolized the transfer of experience and wisdom to them.
It is also important to note that marital values include not only solemn rites, but also everyday life in marriage. In a traditional Ukrainian family, marriage was perceived as a partnership where everyone had their own roles and responsibilities. The man was considered the breadwinner and protector of the family, while the woman was the keeper of the hearth, the educator of children and the organizer of the household.
These marital values may be especially important in these days when the institution of marriage is being severely tested. In today’s world, where understanding of the importance of long-term commitment and mutual support is often lacking, Ukrainian marriage traditions can serve as an example of how to preserve family relationships and overcome challenges together.
Another deeply rooted value of Ukrainian society was respect for elders and parents. Elders have always held a special place, because they carried the wisdom and experience necessary for the survival and prosperity of the family. In many Ukrainian villages, older family members not only took an active part in raising children, but also made key decisions regarding the economy and family life. Their experience and knowledge were passed on to younger generations, forming the basis for subsequent generations. Let’s remember the rites associated with the honoring of ancestors, such as “grandfather’s evening”, when the family gathered together to honor the memory of deceased relatives and pass on their wisdom to the young. Respect for elders was also manifested in everyday life. For example, younger people always addressed their elders with respect, followed their advice and helped them in the household. In many families there was a custom of living together with the older generations, providing them with proper care and support in their old age.
Ukrainian holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and Ivan Kupala, are not only religious, but also cultural events that preserve traditions, symbols, and rituals passed down through generations. For example, the tradition of baking Paska on Easter or singing carols on Christmas is part of the cultural code of the Ukrainian people, which carries a deep spiritual meaning.
It is also worth mentioning the Cossack traditions, which laid the foundations of patriotism and love of freedom in the hearts of Ukrainians. Cossacks not only fought for the independence of Ukraine, but also created a unique culture that included a code of honor, brotherhood and military prowess. Today, these traditions are reflected in military parades, honoring heroes and a general love of freedom.
Therefore, Ukrainian values, formed under the influence of historical events, religious beliefs and traditions, were always based on deep moral foundations. In today’s world, when globalization and cultural changes often dictate new norms, it is extremely important to remember and preserve these traditional values that defined and define the identity of the Ukrainian people.
Contradictions between Ukrainian traditions and new European values, their consequences
Despite all the positive aspects of European values, they often come into conflict with the traditional views of Ukrainians. Support for LGBT+ rights and adoption of legislation on civil partnerships is perceived by many as a threat to family and religious values. Many see this as a rejection of the traditional way of life in favor of “foreign” norms and standards. For example, the organization of pride parades often becomes a reason for protests and conflicts in society. Many Ukrainians consider such measures unacceptable, especially during the war, when the country is going through difficult trials. Increased sensitivity to these issues is especially acutely manifested in regions that are directly faced with the consequences of war. Thus, holding LGBT parades in the Kharkiv region in conditions where people risk their lives every day due to constant threats looks inappropriate and even provocative.
In addition, the adoption of laws on civil partnerships may cause serious resistance from religious communities, such as the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, which has already opposed this draft law, believing that it contradicts the natural law established by God and violates the norms of the Constitution of Ukraine, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
There is a great risk that the adoption of new values can lead to a social split, when a part of society supports the European course, and the other defends traditional values. This can complicate the process of national unification and create additional challenges for the state. The introduction of European values brings confusion and discord among people, undermining the unity of the nation, which is especially dangerous in times of war and crisis. These values can destroy Ukrainian society from the inside, forcing us to lose touch with our historical roots and cultural heritage.
In general, the adoption of European values in Ukraine can have far-reaching consequences for our society. On the one hand, it will contribute to building a more tolerant and open society, where the rights of every citizen will be protected. It will also pave the way for Ukraine’s full integration into the European community. On the other hand, there is a risk of loss of national identity and division in society. In addition, European values, such as LGBT+ rights and the promotion of the idea of tolerance for different non-traditional family models, have a negative impact on children and young people. They distort the traditional understanding of family values, causing confusion in matters of gender identity and moral principles. At a time when Ukrainian society needs stability and unity, such ideas can undermine the moral foundations of the younger generation, distracting them from more important life values and national interests.
The war in Ukraine has created unprecedented conditions for our society, when survival and protection become the main priorities. Isn’t it better to focus all efforts on strengthening the defense capabilities of our country, building factories and enterprises for the production of weapons for the Armed Forces, restoring the economy, providing for the basic needs of the population, and helping the victims? Does it make sense now, during a war, to actively promote ideas that can divide society? Perhaps the issue of the introduction of European values should be postponed until the time when Ukraine can fully recover and strengthen itself?
The authorities should understand that now our society needs solidarity and focus on solving extremely important problems, therefore it is necessary to find a balance between new values and its historical foundations. It is important that this process takes place with respect for traditions, which have always been the basis of Ukrainian culture. Only in this way will Ukraine be able to preserve its uniqueness, integrating into the world community and overcoming modern challenges.
Oksana Ishchenko
