In the tranquil city of Bila Tserkva, Ukraine, 59-year-old history teacher Vitalii Dribnytsia logs onto Chatroulette, determined to educate Russians about Ukrainian history. His compelling mission unfolds in a colorful cafe, where he connects with random strangers to challenge the narratives surrounding his nation's identity.
On one occasion, Dribnytsia confronted a middle-aged Russian man shopping in a grocery store, asking provocatively, “Who does Crimea belong to?” This question refers to the Crimea peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. The response was swift: “To us.” What ensued was a complex discussion highlighting Ukraine's historical roots and the ongoing war of independence. Despite hesitation, the Russian ultimately dismissed Ukrainian history, claiming, “The internet will tell you everything,” and insisted, “Ukraine never existed and never will.”
Dribnytsia has engaged in these discussions consistently for three years, determined to dispel the Kremlin's claims that minimize Ukrainian nationhood. Every day, he dedicates hours to these exchanges, confronting beliefs that wrongly assert Ukraine was a mere invention of the Soviet Union or that its leaders are neo-Nazis.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Videos of his discussions, published on his YouTube channel “Vox Veritatis” (Latin for "The Voice of the Truth"), have resonated widely in Ukraine, amassing almost half a million subscribers. These recordings not only clarify Ukrainian history but also empower viewers to articulate their stance in favor of Ukraine’s sovereignty. Through engaging dialogue, Dribnytsia continues to illuminate the truth amid a backdrop of conflict and misinformation.
