Cutting Cultural Ties? Reasons Why Ukrainians Terminate or Continue to Interact With Russian Culture Despite the Ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War

Abstract

The study investigates the factors related to Ukrainian nationals’ engagement or disengagement with Russian culture amid Russian-Ukrainian war. It explores the predictors of both continued engagement and reasons for terminating interaction, considering demographic, emotional, and circumstantial factors. A cross-sectional correlational design was used, involving 935 participants (305 continuing and 630 ceasing interaction with Russian culture). Participants completed questionnaires and detailed their engagement with Russian culture across various cultural items. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were conducted for analysis. The study found that factors like spoken language and coping strategies play a significant role in the decision to cut cultural ties. For those continuing interaction, language and emotional attachment were influential, alongside practical necessities like work/study requirements and the absence of Ukrainian alternatives. The study highlights a complex interplay of emotion, language, and age in shaping Ukrainians’ interaction with Russian culture during the war. It suggests future research should include additional sociopolitical and sociocultural factors, and a broader demographic representation to gain more nuanced perspectives.