In the heart of Bila Tserkva, a small city in central Ukraine, Vitalii Dribnytsia, a 59-year-old history teacher, has found an unusual platform to convey his nation's story amidst the unrest of war. Logging into Chatroulette, an online service that connects users with random strangers across the globe, Dribnytsia sets out on a mission: to counteract the pervasive misconceptions held by many Russians concerning Ukraine’s history and identity.

On a particular day, he connected with a Russian man situated in what appeared to be a grocery store, quickly initiating a heated discussion on the ownership of Crimea, a contentious issue since its illegal annexation by Russia in 2014. Dribnytsia opened with a provocative inquiry: “Who does Crimea belong to?” The man confidently asserted, “To us,” reflecting a widespread belief in Russia that Ukraine's existence is merely a myth crafted by political narrative.

Over the past three years, Dribnytsia has undertaken hundreds of such exchanges, meticulously challenging the unjustified claims made by the Kremlin, such as the notion that Ukraine's national identity was merely an invention of Soviet times or that its political leadership is extremist. His knowledge, patience, and insistence on historical correctness often face resistance, as illustrated by one participant who dismissed him by stating, “The internet will tell you everything; Ukraine never existed and never will.”

Despite the obstacles, Dribnytsia’s initiative has proven successful in parts. His exchanges, richly documented and shared on his YouTube channel, “Vox Veritatis”—Latin for “The Voice of Truth”—have garnered a considerable following, attracting nearly half a million subscribers. Many Ukrainians tune in, not only to witness these discussions but to arm themselves with knowledge about their own heritage and to strengthen their resolve in dialogue surrounding sovereignty and national pride.

Through the lens of his online conversations, Dribnytsia showcases the significance of individual efforts in shaping a collective understanding of history during tumultuous times. His method of engaging directly with those who might be adversaries underscores a profound commitment to education, advocacy, and the enduring fight for Ukraine’s rightful place in the narrative of its own history.