Abstract
The purpose of the article is to study the perception and reflection of the fundamental differences between Ukrainians and Russians in narrative sources of the imperial era. The methodological basis of study is the concept of «banal nationalism» by Michael Billig, adapted to study everyday practices as markers of identity. The study is based on general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, generalization, comparative analysis) and historical source studies, in particular internal criticism of sources. The scientific novelty lies in proving the ineffectiveness of the imperial policy of Russification outside the urban space and the preservation of Ukrainians’ own identity, which can be traced through the prism of the sources under consideration. The conclusions demonstrate that regardless of the nationality of the authors, the sources systematically note cardinal differences between Ukrainians and Russians on anthropological grounds, household traditions, features of housing, language, character, as well as ideological and mental concepts. European travellers mostly focused on the elements of material culture as markers of uniqueness. Instead, Russian observers expressed surprise at the existing linguistic and mental abyss, which contradicted the prevailing imperial ideologemes of «fraternal peoples» or a single nation. They also noted the negative attitude of ordinary Ukrainians towards their northeastern neighbours. Ukrainian authors, representatives of the predominantly noble elite and scientific intelligentsia, emphasized the uniqueness and separateness of their own people, as well as the destructive influence of imperial policy on Ukrainian culture and national self-awareness. The results of the study confirm the sustainable preservation and awareness of Ukrainian national identity in the face of imperial pressure, which contradicted the official narratives of assimilation and unity.