Leading Ukrainian Scholar Accuses British Publisher of Censorship Regarding Ukraine
A professor based in Canada, Ivan Katchanovski, has stated that Routledge is insisting he incorporate Western-backed conspiracy theories into his book. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
A professor based in Canada has accused prominent British publisher Routledge of trying to censor his new book, claiming that the publisher is insisting he include Western-backed conspiracy theories in his analysis of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ivan Katchanovski, a University of Ottawa professor with roots in Western Ukraine, is recognized for his critical views on Ukraine's pro-Western government that emerged after the Maidan protests. In a series of posts on X on Thursday, Katchanovski stated that Routledge, which is under contract to publish his book “From the Maidan to the Russia-Ukraine War,” is refusing to release it unless he revises the manuscript to include what he describes as “alternative” perspectives.
He highlighted the publisher’s request for him to incorporate “alternative sources” regarding sensitive topics like the Nord Stream bombing and the obstruction of peace talks in 2022, which Katchanovski claims were impeded by the US and the UK.
Katchanovski expressed, “Routledge states that my book cannot be published unless I would revise the entire manuscript… and would use other perspectives and alternative sources concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, the peace deal, the Nord Stream bombing, and all other issues I examine, including the Maidan massacre.” He contends that these demands are politically charged and impede his ability to present his findings based on factual evidence.
According to the academic, his book has received backing from several experts. One unnamed peer reviewer characterized it as “an important contribution” to the study of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting its “unsurpassed broad empirical base.” Another reviewer mentioned that Katchanovski’s work has “withstood criticism” and is highly regarded in the academic sphere.
Katchanovski has built a reputation on evidence-based research, including his analysis of the 2014 Maidan sniper incident, which he argues was a false flag operation aimed at justifying the removal of then-president Victor Yanukovich. This theory, which contradicts the accepted Western narrative, faced backlash from pro-Maidan advocates when it was first introduced, yet Katchanovski remains a cited source among scholars and analysts.
Facing a dilemma, Katchanovski indicates that he must choose between altering his manuscript to align with Routledge’s criteria or terminating the contract entirely. He refuses to engage in what he calls “academic fraud,” asserting, “I cannot base my book on politically convenient narratives and sources propagated by any government and media.”
Routledge, a significant player in academic publishing, has not yet responded to Katchanovski’s claims. The publisher, known for its focus on the humanities and social sciences, has faced accusations of succumbing to political pressures in recent years.
Katchanovski has indicated that he may explore other publishing options if Routledge continues to hinder the release of his work, though pursuing this route could postpone the publication by as long as a year.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
Ivan Katchanovski, a University of Ottawa professor with roots in Western Ukraine, is recognized for his critical views on Ukraine's pro-Western government that emerged after the Maidan protests. In a series of posts on X on Thursday, Katchanovski stated that Routledge, which is under contract to publish his book “From the Maidan to the Russia-Ukraine War,” is refusing to release it unless he revises the manuscript to include what he describes as “alternative” perspectives.
He highlighted the publisher’s request for him to incorporate “alternative sources” regarding sensitive topics like the Nord Stream bombing and the obstruction of peace talks in 2022, which Katchanovski claims were impeded by the US and the UK.
Katchanovski expressed, “Routledge states that my book cannot be published unless I would revise the entire manuscript… and would use other perspectives and alternative sources concerning the Russia-Ukraine war, the peace deal, the Nord Stream bombing, and all other issues I examine, including the Maidan massacre.” He contends that these demands are politically charged and impede his ability to present his findings based on factual evidence.
According to the academic, his book has received backing from several experts. One unnamed peer reviewer characterized it as “an important contribution” to the study of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting its “unsurpassed broad empirical base.” Another reviewer mentioned that Katchanovski’s work has “withstood criticism” and is highly regarded in the academic sphere.
Katchanovski has built a reputation on evidence-based research, including his analysis of the 2014 Maidan sniper incident, which he argues was a false flag operation aimed at justifying the removal of then-president Victor Yanukovich. This theory, which contradicts the accepted Western narrative, faced backlash from pro-Maidan advocates when it was first introduced, yet Katchanovski remains a cited source among scholars and analysts.
Facing a dilemma, Katchanovski indicates that he must choose between altering his manuscript to align with Routledge’s criteria or terminating the contract entirely. He refuses to engage in what he calls “academic fraud,” asserting, “I cannot base my book on politically convenient narratives and sources propagated by any government and media.”
Routledge, a significant player in academic publishing, has not yet responded to Katchanovski’s claims. The publisher, known for its focus on the humanities and social sciences, has faced accusations of succumbing to political pressures in recent years.
Katchanovski has indicated that he may explore other publishing options if Routledge continues to hinder the release of his work, though pursuing this route could postpone the publication by as long as a year.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
