Between Friendship and Politics
Little-known pages of the history of Ukrainian-Luxembourg relation
This study, financed by the Oeuvre nationale de secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, seeks to address different time levels and subjectivities. It links research of historical archive material (1950s-1980s) and a reflection of my own migration and research experience in Luxembourg.
The historical research centers on the exile in Luxembourg of one of the leaders of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, Andriy Melnyk, and his wife Sofia Fedak – with a particular focus on her life and actions. The role of women in situations of forced migration and exile is of key interest to me, and draws on my previous research of female education and emancipation. After World War II Andriy Melnyk and wife Sofia Fedak continued their political activities to restore Ukraine’s independence. The topic is of particular relevance in view of the war Russia started against Ukraine in 2014. It is also relevant today because of the ways in which migrants were supported by the wider local society, by members of the grand-ducal family and government officials (in Melnyk’s case) or more generally Luxembourgish neighbours and friends.
My research and intertwined personal history have raised the interest of filmmaker Cristina Haneș, who will document my research endeavour, the effects of the war on my family, the difficulties associated with emigration and new opportunities and perspectives.
The objectives of this study are to highlight the role of women in a family during times of crisis; to determine the role of personal relationships in global politics; and to draw public attention to the a little-known page of history, of Luxembourgish support granted to political emigrants and refugees from Ukraine in the context of the Cold War. It is also important to emphasize the fact that Ukrainian migrants of different periods did not lose ties with their historical homeland and to illustrate how the best human qualities – empathy, support and assistance – emerge during global crises.
The overall goal is to “open” Ukraine to Luxembourg and Luxembourg to Ukraine by researching and highlighting a shared past.
Illustrations: (C) Archives nationales du Luxembourg, Police des étrangers