The role of archaeology and ancient history of Ukraine in the informational strategy of the occupation regime in Luhansk region

The article explores the use of archaeological materials and historical narratives by the occupying authorities in Luhansk as tools of propaganda within the regime’s informational strategy during the hybrid war. Evidence is provided that the occupiers actively manipulate history to create a “shared past” between Ukrainians and Russians since 2022, in opposition to attempts since 2014 to create a “separate Novorossiyan identity.” The article analyzes examples of propaganda campaigns around archaeological discoveries made by Ukrainian scholars before the war, which were distorted to rewrite history. The manipulation methods include the reworking of historical facts about the nomadic peoples of the Steppe, the creation of narratives about “ancient common roots,” and the dissemination of these narratives through museum exhibits, educational textbooks, and media publications. The occupying forces use these narratives not only for short-term mobilization of support among the local population but also to establish long-term control over the cultural and memorial space. The article also separately addresses the manipulation of archaeological data, where findings related to Ukrainian history are attributed to the “LPR” or “DPR,” linking prehistoric data to the reinforcement of the image of “tough Luhansk residents,” including the then leader of the occupation authorities. The article concludes on the complexity of combating such processes, emphasizing the importance of counteracting historical manipulation during wartime, which remains possible due to the low level of trust in the occupation authorities among the local population.