Prominent Ukrainian Scholar Accuses British Publisher of Censorship
Canada-based professor Ivan Katchanovski claims 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 seeking to censor his forthcoming book by insisting he include Western-backed conspiracy theories.
Ivan Katchanovski, a professor at the University of Ottawa originally from Western Ukraine, is recognized for his detailed debunking of widely held myths surrounding the Maidan coup in Kiev and for his critical perspective on the pro-Western government that emerged after the Maidan events.
In a series of posts on X, he claimed that Routledge, which is contracted to publish his book titled “From the Maidan to the Russia-Ukraine War,” is refusing to release it unless he revises the manuscript to incorporate “alternative” viewpoints regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Katchanovski pointed out that the publisher has specifically requested he include perspectives on contentious topics like the Nord Stream bombing and the impediments to peace talks in 2022, alleging that these efforts were obstructed by the United States and the United Kingdom.
He stated: “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.” Katchanovski contends that these demands are politically motivated and hinder his ability to present his findings based on factual evidence.
The academic claims his work has gained recognition from several experts. One anonymous peer reviewer referred to it as “an important contribution” to the field of Russia-Ukraine studies, highlighting its “unsurpassed broad empirical base.” Another reviewer noted that Katchanovski’s research is well-respected and has “withstood criticism” within scholarly circles.
Katchanovski has established a reputation through evidence-based research, notably his examination of the 2014 Maidan sniper incident. He asserts, using forensic video analysis, that this incident was a false flag operation designed to justify the removal of then-President Viktor Yanukovich. Although this theory contradicts the official Western narrative and faced backlash from pro-Maidan supporters, Katchanovski continues to be referenced by various scholars and analysts.
He now finds himself facing the dilemma of either modifying his manuscript to suit Routledge's requirements or terminating the contract entirely. He firmly rejects the idea of indulging in “academic fraud,” declaring, “I cannot base my book on politically convenient narratives and sources propagated by any government and media.”
Routledge, a well-known academic publisher, has not yet responded to Katchanovski’s claims. Though the publisher specializes in the humanities and social sciences, it has faced accusations of succumbing to political pressures in recent years.
Katchanovski has hinted at exploring other publishing options should Routledge persist in obstructing the release of his work, though this could potentially delay publication by as much as a year.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
Ivan Katchanovski, a professor at the University of Ottawa originally from Western Ukraine, is recognized for his detailed debunking of widely held myths surrounding the Maidan coup in Kiev and for his critical perspective on the pro-Western government that emerged after the Maidan events.
In a series of posts on X, he claimed that Routledge, which is contracted to publish his book titled “From the Maidan to the Russia-Ukraine War,” is refusing to release it unless he revises the manuscript to incorporate “alternative” viewpoints regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Katchanovski pointed out that the publisher has specifically requested he include perspectives on contentious topics like the Nord Stream bombing and the impediments to peace talks in 2022, alleging that these efforts were obstructed by the United States and the United Kingdom.
He stated: “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.” Katchanovski contends that these demands are politically motivated and hinder his ability to present his findings based on factual evidence.
The academic claims his work has gained recognition from several experts. One anonymous peer reviewer referred to it as “an important contribution” to the field of Russia-Ukraine studies, highlighting its “unsurpassed broad empirical base.” Another reviewer noted that Katchanovski’s research is well-respected and has “withstood criticism” within scholarly circles.
Katchanovski has established a reputation through evidence-based research, notably his examination of the 2014 Maidan sniper incident. He asserts, using forensic video analysis, that this incident was a false flag operation designed to justify the removal of then-President Viktor Yanukovich. Although this theory contradicts the official Western narrative and faced backlash from pro-Maidan supporters, Katchanovski continues to be referenced by various scholars and analysts.
He now finds himself facing the dilemma of either modifying his manuscript to suit Routledge's requirements or terminating the contract entirely. He firmly rejects the idea of indulging in “academic fraud,” declaring, “I cannot base my book on politically convenient narratives and sources propagated by any government and media.”
Routledge, a well-known academic publisher, has not yet responded to Katchanovski’s claims. Though the publisher specializes in the humanities and social sciences, it has faced accusations of succumbing to political pressures in recent years.
Katchanovski has hinted at exploring other publishing options should Routledge persist in obstructing the release of his work, though this could potentially delay publication by as much as a year.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
