A heated debate between Ukrainian journalist and publicist Vitaliy Portnikov and Russian journalist Yulia Latynina took place on May 27 on the YouTube channel of Russian lawyer and blogger Mark Feygin. The topic of their argument was the «imperial heritage», and Portnikov’s arguments resonated so strongly with Ukrainians that his conversation with Latynina after the live stream became one of the most discussed topics on social media, and his name even trended on Google.
The discussion between Portnikov and Latynina was sparked by recent events in Russia, namely the celebration of Victory Day and the controversy surrounding the Soviet Union’s role in World War II. Portnikov argued that Russia’s admiration for its imperial past and attempts to glorify its Soviet legacy are detrimental to its present and future as a nation. He pointed out that the Soviet Union was responsible for numerous crimes against its own people, including the Holodomor in Ukraine, and that glorifying this past only perpetuates a dangerous narrative of victimhood and justification for authoritarianism.
Latynina, on the other hand, defended Russia’s «imperial heritage» and argued that it is a part of the country’s identity and should be celebrated. She also criticized Ukraine for distancing itself from its own past and argued that both countries should learn to accept and embrace their complicated histories.
The debate quickly gained traction on social media, with many Ukrainians praising Portnikov for his passionate and well-researched arguments. The hashtag #Portnikov quickly became popular on Twitter, with users sharing his quotes and expressing their support for his views. Many also pointed out the irony of a Russian journalist defending the Soviet Union’s legacy, while a Ukrainian journalist spoke out against it.
The discussion between Portnikov and Latynina also highlighted the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The two countries have a complicated history, and their relations have been strained since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. Portnikov’s arguments about the dangers of glorifying a troubled past struck a chord with many Ukrainians who have been fighting for their country’s independence and sovereignty.
In the aftermath of the live stream, Portnikov’s name was trending on Google, with many curious internet users searching for information about the Ukrainian journalist and his views. This showed the impact of his words and the attention his arguments received from both Russian and Ukrainian audiences.
The debate between Portnikov and Latynina also highlighted the power of social media as a platform for meaningful discussions and the exchange of ideas. The live stream was watched by thousands of people, and the subsequent conversations and discussions on social media allowed even more individuals to engage with the topic and share their perspectives.
In conclusion, the debate between Vitaliy Portnikov and Yulia Latynina on the «imperial heritage» was a thought-provoking and impactful event. Portnikov’s passionate arguments resonated with many Ukrainians, and the subsequent discussions on social media further amplified his message. This serves as a reminder of the importance of open and honest discussions about difficult topics, and the power of social media to facilitate these conversations.
