Categories: UKRAINE

In Ukrainian language textbooks, a map of Ukraine was found without Crimea

A scandal has erupted in the Ukrainian educational environment due to a Ukrainian language textbook for the 7th grade. The textbook features a map of our country without Crimea.

This issue was brought to light by literary critic and book reviewer Tetiana Gonchenko on her Telegram channel, “Nepozbuvny Knigochytun.” In response, co-author of the school book, Anastasia Onatiy, has already posted an explanation of the situation, as noted by Osvita 24.

A school textbook has printed Ukraine without Crimea

Gonchenko pointed out that a map of Ukraine without Crimea was printed in a 7th grade Ukrainian language textbook. This was noticed in the electronic version of the textbook on the website of the Institute for Modernization of Educational Content. The textbooks were printed in 2024 and were recommended by the Ministry of Education of Ukraine. The authors of the textbook are Anastasia Onatiy and Taras Tkachuk. The same error was found in the printed version of the textbook.

Ukrainians are divided on this issue. Some are calling it a “betrayal,” others find it hard to believe that the authors could have intentionally made such a mistake, while a third group believes that everything should be thoroughly checked and that one should not be indifferent to their work.

What the authors are saying

Co-author of the textbook, Anastasia Onatiy, stated that an unfortunate mistake occurred. She has even posted an explanation from the typesetters.

Our oversight. Crimea is ours. Let me start with the main point: we sincerely acknowledge our oversight; the pictogram in the shape of Ukraine without Crimea ended up in the book due to unfortunate carelessness. We didn’t double-check, we missed it — we can call it by different names, but the fact remains: we unintentionally hurt people and apologize for it,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

The co-author suggests correcting this mistake together with students. Specifically, she proposes starting a flashmob titled “Draw Crimea”.

Background

Last year, we reported that Ukrainian soldier Taras Tkachuk from Vinnytsia wrote a Ukrainian language textbook right on the front lines.
The book received approval from the Ministry of Education, so it will be published with state funds. Tkachuk co-authored the textbook with his colleague Anastasia Onatyi.
The co-authors also included students.
Nearly 40,000 teachers voted to include this textbook in the school curriculum.

Maria Voloshin

Ukraine Front Lines