CultureIvan Mazepa — Ukraine’s hero, Russia’s devil

Ivan Mazepa rose from the Polish royal court and Western European studies to lead the Ukrainian Cossack Hetmanate as its hetman and become a trusted ally of Tsar Peter I. His failed revolt against the Russian Empire later came to symbolize Ukraine’s struggle for independence. Revered as a hero in Ukraine and condemned as a traitor in Russia, Mazepa navigated rival powers in pursuit of a stronger, more independent homeland.

Ivan MazepaUkrainian historyCossack HetmanateRussia

TThe Kyiv Independent★★☆☆☆2026-08-28 15:23Original