First professor of Ukrainian politics in UK appointed

A university has hired someone who they claim is the very first professor of Ukrainian politics in English-speaking countries.

Professor Olga Onuch is going to start teaching a course called Ukraine Rises at the University of Manchester in September.

She said that she wanted her family and friends in Ukraine to feel proud because of her new title.

Volodymyr Sheiko, boss of the Ukrainian Institute in Kyiv, said it is extremely important for Ukraine to be truly understood.

A representative from the University of Manchester said that Prof Onuch is very knowledgeable about Ukraine, which has made her one of the top experts on the country in the UK and around the world.

They said that starting in 2014, she was a part of a group that gives advice to the Ukrainian government. She also worked with people who make policies from Ukraine, the UK, the US, the EU, and Canada.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, she wrote a book called The Zelensky Effect. The book talks about how Ukraine’s national identity influenced its president, Volodymyr Zelensky.

The university announced that in addition to starting a new course about current Ukrainian politics, she will also keep teaching classes about mass protests and democratization in Eastern Europe and Latin America.
‘Really deserving’

Prof Onuch said she wanted to bring some pride to her family and friends in Ukraine by being the first professor to have a specific title dedicated to Ukrainian Politics in English-speaking countries.

She said, most importantly, she wants this to be the beginning of a new pattern, not just a one-time thing.

Mr Sheiko, who is part of an organization that tries to improve Ukraine’s image internationally through cultural diplomacy, said that appointing Prof. Onuch was a very important step.

“He said that a lot of what we know about Ukraine comes from important schools that study its history, politics, and culture. This knowledge helps shape government decisions, school lessons, and what the public thinks. ”

He said that he is sure that Olga’s deep experience and knowledge will set a good example for others to imitate.

Anna Dezyk, who helps lead a group of Ukrainians in Great Britain, said that Prof Onuch’s passion and knowledge are very helpful in advancing the study of Ukrainian politics in academia. This will help bring more attention to the subject and give it the recognition it deserves.

Leigh Gibson, who works for the British Council in Ukraine, said that her appointment is very fitting and well-deserved.