The evolution of Stanislav Kulchytsky's views during the "perestroika" period on the nature of the famine of 1932-33 in Ukraine

Abstract

The article confirms that the scientific work of Professor S. Kulchytsky on the history of the Great Famine of 1932-1933 in Ukraine shows the natural evolution of his views as a talented scientist, which occurred with the introduction into scientific circulation of previously inaccessible documents and evidence. The study found no concessions to "their sacred right to intellectual sovereignty," as some opponents have accused the scientist. On the contrary, it was SV Kulchytsky who pioneered and innovated in the development of this complex subject at various chronological stages, including unfavorable ones, and was a courageous volunteer at the front of popularizing the concept of the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. The main conclusion that the famine in the USSR was genocide, the scientist made in a book signed for publication in the Soviet period - in the summer of 1990 – and since then has not deviated from his views. Apparently, in determining the price of Stalin's "great turning point," the historian was already aware that the famine of 1933 was a deliberate "devastating blow" and distinguished it from the famine of 1932, using the term "Holodomor" to describe the Kremlin's deliberate crime in Ukraine.

Key words: S. Kulchytsky, evolution of views, Holodomor of 1932-33 in Ukraine, period of perestroika.