Mykhailo Kosiv: The Ukrainian National Idea
In an interview with Glavkom, Mykhailo Kosiv—a former political prisoner, dissident, and five-term member of parliament—articulated the Ukrainian national idea as the establishment of an Independent, Unified Ukrainian State rooted in the nation's values, history, culture, and spirituality. He emphasized that Ukrainians not only have the right but also the duty to realize this vision.
Born in 1934 in what is now the Ivano-Frankivsk region, then under Polish rule, Kosiv graduated from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv in the 1950s with a degree in philology. After his studies, he became deeply involved in the country's cultural scene, serving as president of the Prolisok Creative Youth Club and collaborating with Viacheslav Chornovil on the samizdat journal Ukrainian Herald.
Political Career and Cultural Legacy
On August 27, 1965, Soviet authorities arrested Kosiv under Article 62 of the Ukrainian SSR Criminal Code, which targeted anti-Soviet agitation and propaganda. He spent seven months in Lviv's Lontskoho Prison. Following Ukraine's independence, between 1990 and 2012, Kosiv served as a member of the Verkhovna Rada for five consecutive terms, representing the People's Movement of Ukraine and the Reforms and Order Party.
Kosiv has been awarded the Order of Merit, Third Class, and holds the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine. In his commentary, he stresses the importance of Ukrainian culture, stating that
“Ukrainian culture is spirituality itself”— Mykhailo Kosiv. He described Taras Shevchenko as a unique figure and compared Lesya Ukrainka and Vasyl Stefanyk to singular phenomena. He further noted:
“This is the deep historical foundation of the people, which constitutes our national essence and our national symbol of life. And this is what we must continue to affirm in our lives”— Mykhailo Kosiv.
In essence, Kosiv frames the Ukrainian national idea as the creation of an independent state built upon the rich cultural heritage and history of the Ukrainian people.
Kosiv's remarks highlight the critical role of national identity and cultural heritage for Ukrainians—a message of particular relevance amid the modern challenges facing Ukraine. By underscoring the significance of Ukrainian culture and history, his words provide a foundation for strengthening national consciousness and unity, which are key to the country's stability and prosperity.