In the latter half of the 18th century, Southern Ukraine underwent profound transformations, with the Russian Empire imposing new administrative, fiscal, and social structures. This research project delves into the experiences and perspectives of the indigenous communities of Southern Ukraine during this period, challenging the dominant Russian imperial narrative that portrayed these lands as a “wild field” awaiting cultivation. Relying on primary sources, the project aims to foreground the voices of these communities as they navigated the challenges brought by the empire. Notably, it argues against a binary understanding of oppressor and oppressed, emphasizing instead the complex dynamics of power, negotiation, and adaptation.

The research sheds light on the agency of local communities in not only resisting, but also influencing and shaping imperial policies. By examining the reciprocal relations between the Russian Empire and the indigenous communities, the study offers a nuanced understanding of Southern Ukraine’s integration into the Russian Empire, highlighting the region’s rich, multifaceted history.