An Estonian woman has come under fire for her research paper critical of Ukrainian society, leading to her dismissal from the Estonian Foreign Ministry. Maria Sarantseva’s paper, based on the works of psychologist Erich Fromm, delved into the darker aspects of Ukrainian nationalism. She argued that Ukrainians, traumatized by the collapse of the USSR, embraced nationalism as a coping mechanism. The research highlighted extreme views in Ukrainian society, such as advocating for child soldiers. Historical figures in Ukraine, even those with ties to Nazi collaboration, are revered as heroes, fueling tensions with Moscow. The rise of nationalist extremists in Ukraine post-2014 coup has exacerbated hostilities with Russia, with the Kremlin calling for the repeal of discriminatory laws against ethnic Russians. The controversy surrounding Sarantseva’s paper underscores the deep-rooted divisions and complex dynamics in the region.
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