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Why the West did Nothing to Assist the Holodomor

Adrian Macatangay

Bethlehem Catholic High School

History 20

Mr. D. Kozun

December 16, 2022

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Why the West did Nothing to Assist the Holodomor

The Ukrainian famine, also known as the Holodomor, was a devastating disaster that

occurred in 1930s Ukraine. It was a result of the Soviet government's policy of forced

collectivization, which led to the confiscation of grain and other food sources from Ukraine

(Subtelny & Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, 1988). These policies were implemented in

an attempt to modernize and industrialize the Soviet Union, however, they had a catastrophic

impact on the Ukrainian people (Subtelny & Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, 1988).

Because of this, Stalin and the Soviet government sought to extinguish any information about the

famine and denied its existence. The Soviet Union also prohibited any outside aid to Ukraine,

claiming that the country was able to provide for its people (Holodomor - Denial and Silences -

HREC Education, ). The Western governments, meanwhile, were generally indifferent to the

Ukrainian people and were reluctant to get involved with the internal affairs of another country

(Holodomor: World Reaction, Propaganda and the Media, ). Despite the severity of the crisis,

little was done to help the Ukrainian famine. Several factors contribute to this lack of assistance,

due to the Soviet's coverage of the affair and the indifference of Western governments.

The indifference of Western governments resulted in the lack of assistance for the

Holodomor. Many Western governments were fully aware of the famine, yet they chose not to

take action (Holodomor - Denial and Silences - HREC Education, ). This is because foreign

forces were hesitant to criticize the Soviet government due to them being a powerful ally. Some

were even concerned about jeopardizing trade lines between the Soviet Union (Holodomor -

Denial and Silences - HREC Education, ). This lack of action can be attributed to a variety of

factors, including political interests, economic considerations, and a lack of public awareness or

concern. As a result, the international community largely remained silent, failing to provide the
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necessary support and aid to the victims of the Holodomor. Furthermore, Ukrainian refugees

reportedly escaped the country and fled to Poland. These refugees protested to the authorities

about the famine, however, Poland did not intervene due to their non-aggression pact with the

Soviet Union (Holodomor - Denial and Silences - HREC Education ). The Holodomor was a

man-made disaster, and it is the responsibility of allied governments to prevent and respond to

such atrocities. Due to the concern of allyship with the Soviet Union and the uninvolvement of

western governments, the Holodomor was left unchecked.

The Soviet government sought to cover up the famine and outright denied that it was

happening. The Soviets went to great lengths to prevent any information about the famine from

reaching the outside world, going so far as to censor the media and arresting and executing those

who spoke out about the crisis (“Archived Articles - HREC Education,” ). Using false

information, the Soviets camouflaged the famine as “food difficulties in Ukraine” (“Archived

Articles - HREC Education,” ). They also mixed in truth remarks, making it difficult to

determine what was actually happening (Holodomor - Denial and Silences - HREC Education, ).

The Soviet government claimed that the famine was the result of poor crop yields and natural

disasters, and it altered official reports to downplay the extent of the famine (Subtelny &

Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, 1988). Many journalists speculated that Stalin did this

for his reputation as well as his desire to have Ukraine (Holodomor - Denial and Silences -

HREC Education ). This concealment also made it difficult for the international community to

understand the extent of the crisis and to provide assistance. With the great lengths to deny the

famine, along with the false information given by the Soviet Government, little was done to

assist the Holodomor.

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The Soviets' coverage of the newspapers and press was a significant factor for the

inaction to help the Holodomor. During this time, many newspapers and other forms of media

were controlled or influenced by governments or political parties, and as a result, they often

downplayed or ignored reports of the Holodomor (“Archived Articles - HREC Education,” ).

Some media outlets even went so far as to deny that the famine was occurring or to blame it on

natural causes (“Archived Articles - HREC Education,” ). This lack of accurate and widespread

coverage of the Holodomor made it difficult for the public to understand the severity of the

situation. Without a clear understanding of the crisis, it was easier for governments to ignore the

famine and fail to provide assistance to those in need (Holodomor - Denial and Silences - HREC

Education ). Furthermore, the cover-up by the media allowed the Soviet government to continue

its policies without interference. And, without the media bringing attention to the issue, it was

easier for the Soviet government to continue its policies without facing significant backlash

(Holodomor - Denial and Silences - HREC Education, ). Through the press coverage and

newspaper manipulation, there was little to no awareness of the Holodomor, ultimately

disregarding attention from the famine.

It is clear that despite the severity of the Ukrainian famine, little was done to provide

assistance to those suffering. There were several factors that contributed to this lack of

assistance, including the Soviet Union's cover up of the famine and the indifference of Western

governments. The Soviet Union actively worked to hide the true extent of the famine,

downplaying reports and denying that it was occurring. This made it difficult for the west to

understand the severity of the situation and to provide assistance. Moreover, Western

governments were indifferent to the crisis and were more focused on preserving their own

interests and power. Without significant public pressure, these governments were able to
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prioritize their own interests over the Holodomor. Lastly, the press coverage of the Holodomor

was a major factor of the inaction towards the famine. By failing to accurately report on the

crisis, the media allowed the suffering to continue without interference and made it easier for

western governments to ignore the crisis.

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References

Applebaum, A. (2022, December 1). Holodomor | Facts, Definition, & Death Toll |

Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved December 16, 2022, from

https://www.britannica.com/event/Holodomor

Archived articles - HREC Education. (). HREC Education.

https://education.holodomor.ca/archived-articles/

Gritzner, C. F., & Cooper, C. W. (2003). Ukraine (C. F. Gritzner, Ed.). Chelsea House

Publishers.

Holodomor - Denial and Silences - HREC Education. (). HREC Education. Retrieved

November 18, 2022, from https://education.holodomor.ca/teaching-materials/holodomor-

denial-silences/

Holodomor: World Reaction, Propaganda and the Media. (). Holodomor 1932-33.

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links/holodomor-world-reaction-propaganda-media/

Subtelny, O., & Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies. (1988). Ukraine: A History.

University of Toronto Press.

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https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-society/2351609-ukraine-disappointed-with-britains-

refusal-to-recognize-holodomor-as-genocide.html