Bodleian Libraries users now have access to the Local and Independent Ukrainian Newspapers collection from East View.

The 1990s and early 2000s were a tumultuous time in Ukraine’s history. The fall of the Soviet Union and the establishment of independent Ukraine radically altered its political system. Citizens were guaranteed free speech and property rights; however, they suffered under a prolonged economic depression. In 2000, corruption scandals and the murder of investigative journalist Georgiy Gongadze triggered nationwide protests against Ukraine’s political elites.

The Local and Independent Ukrainian Newspapers collection traces the history of Ukraine during this early period of independence, and the events leading up to the Orange Revolution (2004–2005). Comprising over 900 titles, this database includes local newspapers from over 340 cities and towns—including publications from each of Ukraine’s 27 regions. This hyperlocal coverage provides researchers with granular insight into regional and ethnic interests, concerns, and conflicts that are still relevant today.

Many of the titles are in Ukrainian and Russian; this collection also includes ethnic newspapers in languages such as: Armenian, Crimean Tatar, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Polish, and more. A limited number of contemporaneous Ukrainian community publications from other territories are also included.