I refuse to be part of an effort to legitimize an alternate narrative that the Ukrainian government is a U.S. adversary, and that Ukraine - not Russia - attacked us in 2016.

The quote by Fiona Hill reflects her strong stance against the false narrative that portrays Ukraine as an adversary of the United States. Hill, a prominent expert on Russia and former National Security Council official, is addressing the attempt to manipulate or distort historical facts. Specifically, the claim that Ukraine, rather than Russia, was behind the 2016 election interference. This misinformation, she argues, undermines the legitimate role of Ukraine as an ally in the face of Russian aggression.

Fiona Hill’s statement is a response to growing Russian disinformation efforts, which sought to blame Ukraine for the cyberattacks and meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The narrative is part of a broader Kremlin strategy to create confusion and shift responsibility away from Russia’s actions. Hill, in rejecting this alternate narrative, affirms her commitment to truth and the necessity of confronting Russia's role in undermining democratic processes.

The origin of the quote can be traced back to Hill’s testimony during the U.S. House impeachment hearings in 2019. As an expert on Russian politics, she stood firm in protecting the truth against attempts to reshape the narrative for political gain. Her words underscore the critical importance of holding Russia accountable, while emphasizing that Ukraine, in its ongoing struggle against Russian aggression, should not be wrongly portrayed as an adversary of the U.S.

Ultimately, the quote speaks to Hill’s refusal to allow a distorted history to take root, reminding us of the importance of distinguishing between fact and fiction in the realm of international relations.