Ivan Mazepa: The Hetman Who Chose Ukraine Over Empire

Once he had everything the empire called “success”: power, titles, the tsar’s respect. But he chose differently — he chose Ukraine. Ivan Mazepa was not just a Hetman. He was a strategist ahead of his time, seeing further than his era allowed. Educated, European-minded, a subtle diplomat, he understood perfectly: an alliance with Moscow was not a partnership, but a slow disappearance.

That is why his choice has never been forgiven.

A Choice that Terrified the Empire
For years, Mazepa tried to preserve the autonomy of the Hetmanate as much as possible. He knew when to remain silent and when to wait. But when it became clear that Peter I was destroying not only Ukrainian political independence but the very idea of Ukraine, Mazepa took a step that required immense courage. He sided with those who envisioned a free Ukraine.

For the empire, he was a “traitor.” For history, he was a man who did not betray himself.

A Patron Who Built Ukraine with Actions, Not Words
While Moscow built fortresses of control, Mazepa built culture.
He funded churches, monasteries, schools, and printing houses. Kyiv-Mohyla Academy flourished under his support. Ukrainian Baroque also owes much to Mazepa. Stone, knowledge, books — he invested in what would shape the nation for centuries.

Foresight Realized Too Late
He knew the empire would never stop. It would always demand more — land, blood, silence. Mazepa tried to pull Ukraine from this trap while there was still a chance. His defeat is not proof of a mistake. It is proof of how unequal the struggle was.

Why He Is Still Hated in Russia
Because Mazepa shattered the myth of a “grateful Little Russia.”
Because he showed that Ukraine is not a territory but a subject.
Because he reminded that loyalty bought with fear lasts only briefly.
For centuries, his name was twisted into a synonym for “betrayal.” In reality, it stands for freedom of choice.

Why Mazepa’s Memory Matters Today
Because we again live in a time when defending the right to be oneself comes at a high cost.
Because his story is not about the past. It is about us.
About the moment when compromise becomes capitulation.
About the courage to say “no,” even if cursed for it.

Ivan Mazepa lost the battle.
But he won history.
Empires fear not defeats. They fear examples.