The Valuev Circular and Censorship of Ukrainian Publications in the Russian Empire (1863–1876): Intention and Practice

AbstractThis article discusses the Valuev circular of 1863 that placed limits on Ukrainian-language publications in the Russian Empire. It is based on extensive archival materials from RGIA in St. Petersburg. The main focus is on Petr Valuev's intentions and the actual impact the circular had on Ukrainian publishing. Apart from the fear of Polish and Ukrainian subversion, Valuev was motivated by a long-term desire to spread the use of Russian—at least among some minority nationalities of the empire. The officially 'provisional' nature of the circular was Valuev's tactic to appease the significant opposition that he anticipated within government circles against the restrictions. In actual fact, the minister intended his circular to retain its force for a long period of time. Up to the time of the Ems decree of 1876, the central bodies of censorship considered the circular binding. However, many works that violated the circular were indeed permitted and published (especially in the years 1874–1876). This is explained mainly by the corruption of one censor in Kyiv who permitted most of these publications and was ultimately dismissed.