UNESCO’s decision to classify borscht soup as a Ukrainian national treasure enraged the Russians.
Elsa Osipova,
Sakari Nuuttila
The recognition is significant for Ukraine, as Ukraine and Russia have struggled for years to recognize the true origin of traditional beetroot soup.
After the annexation of Crimea and especially the full-scale invasion of Russia, the punishment has become even more political.
– Victory in the stock market war is ours, declared the Minister of Culture of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko.
Unesco reasoned: The war had a negative impact on the heritage of stock exchange
Unesco justified its decision with the fact that, especially in Ukraine’s current situation, it is important to protect the traditions related to borscht soup. The war has weakened Ukrainian communities both spiritually and culturally.
According to UNESCO, the Russian invasion has had a negative impact on traditions related to the preparation and consumption of borscht soup.
– Right now in Ukraine, people are unable to grow beets, prepare soup or gather to enjoy a meal together, UNESCO’s reasoning states.
Ukraine asked UNESCO to recognize the soup as Ukrainian national food after Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
Unseco handled the borscht soup issue through an accelerated formula.
“Borssi has no nationality”
Ukraine considers borscht soup to be its national dish, but beetroot soup is also eaten a lot in, for example, Poland, Russia and many countries of the former Soviet Union.
In Ukraine, beetroot soup is considered an inseparable part of Ukrainian society, cultural heritage and identity. In Ukraine, borscht has traditionally been part of a wedding meal, the focus of food-related competitions, and a draw for Ukrainian tourism.
A well-known Ukrainian chef Ievgen Klopotenko commented on Facebook that there are hundreds of historical references to borscht soup being a part of Ukrainian food culture.
Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova accused Ukraine of trying its own borscht soup for itself.
According to Zaharova, the claim that borscht soup is Ukrainian belongs to Ukrainian nationalists and embodies their xenophobia.
Zaharova reasoned that there are many dishes that have been recognized as national dishes in several countries.
– Such are, for example, hummus and pilaf, Zaharova said.
Among Russians, Unseco’s decision to classify borscht soup as Ukrainian cultural heritage aroused mixed feelings.
Some Russians think of soup as a strong part of Ukrainian food culture, but others think that the soup that was born around borscht soup has been exaggerated.
– Borssi has no nationality, just like bread, potatoes or cabbage, commented one Moscow woman interviewed by AFP
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