Growing up in Soviet Ukraine in the 1960s and 70s

 

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 Ihor grew up in Ukraine during the Soviet era. His story begins in November 1958, amid the complex historical backdrop of a city that has witnessed the ebb and flow of empires. With a father who was a professor and a mother who worked as a pharmacist, Ihor reflects on the contrasting experiences of urban life and the serene countryside, where summer holidays were spent with their grandparents.

The tales shared by his grandparents are rich with history, detailing their experiences in World War I and the subsequent struggle for Ukrainian independence. Ihor recounts how his grandfather, a soldier in the Austro-Hungarian army, and his great-uncle, who played a pivotal role in forming the armed forces for independent Ukraine, influenced his understanding of national identity. The complexities of living in a region with shifting borders—between Austria, Poland, the Soviet Union, and finally independent Ukraine—highlight the fluid nature of identity in times of turmoil.

As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the harsh realities of life under Soviet rule, where censorship reigned supreme. Ihor shares vivid memories of his father listening to Voice of America on a shortwave radio, a forbidden act that offered glimpses of the outside world. The fear of censorship extended to education, where history was often rewritten to glorify Soviet contributions while downplaying the struggles of other nations.

The episode also touches on  Ihor’s military training during their university years, where the focus was not just on technical skills but also on the ideological indoctrination of the Communist Party. This experience shaped their understanding of the world and the role they were expected to play within it.

As we explore the emotional weight of family connections, Ihor recounts the heart-wrenching reunion with their uncle, who had been living in America since the war. The complexities of communication and the fear of repercussions during the Soviet era are palpable in their narrative.

Tune in to hear this compelling narrative that weaves together personal history with the larger tapestry of Ukrainian heritage.

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