How the Maidan's Self-Defense Archives Were Lost to Fire

The Burning of the Maidan Archives: A Loss for History

According to Главком: Twelve years ago, during the Revolution of Dignity, a crucial repository of history was destroyed. Vital documents detailing the names and commanders of the Maidan's Self-Defense units were lost when they burned inside Kyiv's Trade Unions Building, which served as the protest movement's headquarters. The Museum of the Revolution of Dignity is now working to collect testimonies about these events, but a complete record of all the units remains elusive. The Revolution of Dignity was a pivotal pro-European and anti-corruption uprising that fundamentally changed Ukraine's trajectory.

Andriy Parubiy, who led the Maidan Self-Defense, has been instrumental in supporting the museum. In 2021, the museum recorded several hours of conversation with him. Parubiy described the morning briefings of unit commanders, the coordination of actions, the guarding of barricades, the formation of pickets, and the operation of field kitchens. He stated that, at the time, he possessed the most comprehensive information on the Self-Defense's structure and activities.

However, according to Kateryna Romanova, a museum employee, clear information on all the units, their names, and commanders is still missing. All this data was recorded on paper, but those documents were consumed in the Trade Unions Building fire, making a full reconstruction virtually impossible. Parubiy has shared only what he remembers, as much of the evidence is gone forever.

The Impact of the Lost Archives on Historical Memory

The scale of the protests was immense. Research by the 'Democratic Initiatives' Foundation indicates that approximately 8.5 million Ukrainians participated in Maidan protests across the country. Every year on February 20, Ukraine honors the memory of the Heavenly Hundred-the activists who died on that day in 2014 during the clashes in central Kyiv, which saw the highest number of fatalities. This day of remembrance was established by a presidential decree, underscoring its national significance.

The loss of these Revolution of Dignity archives has profound consequences for Ukraine's historical memory, leaving many details about the Self-Defense and other protesters' activities unknown. This tragedy highlights the critical importance of preserving documents and testimonies for future generations, as every fragment of information is valuable for understanding these pivotal events. The memory of the Maidan and the Heavenly Hundred remains a vital part of Ukraine's national identity, and the museum's efforts are crucial to honoring their contribution to the struggle for democratic values.