The creator of this Open Educational Resource supports the Ukrainian nation and people in their defense against Russian aggression. There is no justification for the Russian Federation's unprovoked, criminal attacks on Ukrainian lives, statehood, territorial integrity, culture, industry, and infrastructure or for its horrific kidnapping of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children.
Users of this free site are strongly encouraged to donate to Ukrainian humanitarian aid or defense at one of the organizations listed below or via others they may find on their own. A donation to Ukrainian relief and defense and an outspoken public stance against Russian imperialist aggression would be the most meaningful way to express appreciation for the free language learning resource offered here.
For an educator of Russian language and culture, Russian war propaganda about "defending Russian speakers in Ukraine" is a gut-wrenching charade as cities and towns that were inhabited by majority Russian speakers have been razed to the ground and Russian-speaking and bilingual Ukrainians by the millions have become refugees.
The creator of this course understands and supports the choice of many Ukrainians to refuse to use the Russian language for communication. In the first lesson of the course, users are invited to explore the ways that language use in intricately woven into our identities, cultures, and cognitive processing. In the context of historical repression of the development of Ukrainian language and culture (see the notorious Ems Edict, among other examples) and the parallels between historical genocide (see the Holodomor) and Russian war crimes in Ukraine that are taking place right now, refusal to use Russian language is a valid, effective act of cultural and national self-defense.
Users of this site may wish to become familiar with Ukrainian language and culture. Links to free resources for learning about Ukrainian language and culture are linked below.
Finally, for users who wish to enrich their study of the Russian language by engagement with texts and art that speaks up strongly against Russia's war on Ukraine, suggested links are provided below.
Thank you!
Слава Україні
Ukraine TrustChain Humanitarian support to areas of greatest need near the front lines. Evacuations, generators, deliveries, shelters, and more. US-based operations support teams in Ukraine, registered 501(c)(3).
Razom for Ukraine Civil society initiatives and humanitarian support for the population. US-based 501(c)(3).
Nova Ukraine Humanitarian aid and advocacy. US-based 501(c)(3).
Ukraine Front Line, Inc. Medical aid for soldiers on the front lines. US-based 501(c)(3).
Come Back Alive Equipment for Ukrainian defense.
United24 Official fundraising platform of Ukraine.
Warm Hands Art Therapy Camps Psychosocial support for children, families and veterans. Supported by Pittsburgh's Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute Relief Fund, a 501(c)(3) registered charity.
Dobra forma (Good Form) A free web-based overview of Ukrainian grammar with contextualized activities written by Dr. Oleksandra Wallo, University of Kansas.
The Making of Modern Ukraine Free course on Ukrainian history with Dr. Timothy Snyder through Yale Online/Coursera/YouTube.
The Kyiv Independent Independent journalism in English from Ukraine.
Ukrainecast Daily analysis and eyewitness reports from the BBC.
Anti-War Songs Learning site with links, transcriptions, and translations from prominent anti-war musicians who perform in Russian.
Meduza Independent Russian media site.
The Russian Antiwar Committee Public intellectuals speaking out against the war.