March 15, 2023

Renaming Russia?


Renaming Russia?
1596 map of Moscovia. Lambert Andrea, Wikimedia Commons.

In November 2022, a petition was submitted to President Zelensky's website that proposed the renaming of Russia to Moscovia and "the Russian Federation" to "the Moscovian Federation." Since the petition received over 25,000 signatures, the Ukrainian president is legally obligated to respond to it.

On March 10, Zelensky released his long-awaited response. In his statement, he highlighted that any alterations to geographical names are subject to regulation by legislation, with the responsibility for making such changes resting solely with the Ukrainian government. Moreover, he underscored that the names of countries are firmly enshrined in official United Nations documents, thus rendering any modifications to these titles a challenging task.

Zelensky said the issue "required careful study on the level of historical and social context, as well as taking into account possible international legal consequences." The president revealed that he will direct the Ukrainian prime minister to conduct a thorough review of the petition.

According to the petition, the name Moscovia was widely used to refer to the Russian state until a few centuries ago, with the moniker "Russia" linked to imperial interventions in Kyivan Rus.

You Might Also Like

The Wages of Conscience
  • February 12, 2023

The Wages of Conscience

The editors of the religious website Holy Fire have called for the defrocking of 293 priests who last year signed a petition demanding an end to hostilities in Ukraine.
A Bite from a Billionaire
  • September 10, 2022

A Bite from a Billionaire

For the first time, a Ukrainian court has ruled to confiscate the assets of a Russian billionaire.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Jews in Service to the Tsar
October 09, 2011

Jews in Service to the Tsar

Benjamin Disraeli advised, “Read no history: nothing but biography, for that is life without theory.” With Jews in Service to the Tsar, Lev Berdnikov offers us 28 biographies spanning five centuries of Russian Jewish history, and each portrait opens a new window onto the history of Eastern Europe’s Jews, illuminating dark corners and challenging widely-held conceptions about the role of Jews in Russian history.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955