# Ukrainian Educator Fights Misinformation Through Online Dialogues

Vitalii Dribnytsia, a 59-year-old history teacher from Bila Tserkva, Ukraine, uses Chatroulette to engage with Russians and correct historical misconceptions.

In the picturesque city of Bila Tserkva, Ukraine, a notable figure emerges — 59-year-old Vitalii Dribnytsia, a former history teacher who dedicates his time to correcting Russian misconceptions about Ukraine's history through online conversations. Using Chatroulette as his platform of choice, he connects with strangers across the border to educate them, particularly about contentious issues like the annexation of Crimea by Russia.

In one such interaction, Vitalii confronted a middle-aged Russian man about the status of Crimea, which remains a flashpoint in Russo-Ukrainian relations. The man’s swift claim that the peninsula belongs to Russia led to a spirited exchange about fundamental historical truths. Dribnytsia sought to enlighten him about Ukraine’s long-standing history as a nation that existed even before Soviet times, emphasizing its independence movements and linguistic heritage. Despite the Russian man's initial conviction, he ultimately dismissed the historical debate, stating, “The internet will tell you everything,” reinforcing a common belief in Russia that diminishes Ukraine's national identity.

For almost three years, Dribnytsia has made it his mission to challenge the Kremlin's narrative that asserts Ukraine is a mere construct of Soviet influence and that the country's leaders promote an extremist agenda. With a calm demeanor and pointed inquiries, he digs into misconceptions that are prevalent among Russian citizens, including the belief that the Ukrainian language is merely a dialect of Russian.

His efforts have garnered considerable attention in his homeland, with his YouTube channel "Vox Veritatis" — Latin for "The Voice of Truth" — attracting nearly half a million subscribers. The channel serves not only as a platform for enlightenment but also as a means for Ukrainians to reinforce their national pride and articulate their stance on sovereignty amidst the ongoing conflict. By revealing the complexities of Ukrainian history through these direct conversations, Dribnytsia empowers both Russians and Ukrainians to engage in a more informed dialogue about their shared past and present.