​CASA stands in full solidarity with the people of Ukraine facing invasion by the regime of Vladimir Putin. History and Heritage are often appropriated for times of war and crisis, and our times are no different. Crises often are made on frivolous grounds or imagined claims to heritage, and warfare has caused much hardship and trauma throughout history. As archaeologists, anthropologists, area studies scholars and historians, we face these legacies every day in our studies. It is therefore impossible not to speak up when injustice and crisis are currently taking place in Ukraine.

 

The misuse of history by Vladimir Putin, with its claims to the Kievan Rus’ and erasure of Ukraine’s multi-cultural history in favour of irredentist claims can be seen as nothing short of frivolous and baseless. Ukraine’s history and culture are also being concretely threatened by the potential destruction of their material heritage, represented by museums, archaeological sites and historical buildings all over the country. The appeals to Ukraine as a creation of Leninism have no basis in history, and neglect over a millennium of peoples of many ethnicities living in the region now scarred by invasion. This behaviour should be familiar to all in our disciplines, as it has been used throughout history for similar ends. We have  witnessed how the subjugation of people in the past often began with the erasure and destruction of their history, heritage and culture. For that reason, we have only our solidarity to show to the people of Ukraine facing invasion, and to the people of Russia who stand with Ukraine against this unjust war. 

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Donations for those afflicted by the war can be made here: 

https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
 

The CASA 5 Committee,

7th March 2022