Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis

Summary

This video delves into the historical context and ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, examining the origins of their conflict dating back to the 9th-century Kievan Rus. It highlights Ukraine’s long history under Russian rule, the 2014 annexation of Crimea, and the Eastern Ukrainian separatist movements. The video also discusses Vladimir Putin’s motivations to restore Russian influence, Ukraine’s desire for independence, and its aspirations to join NATO and the EU. With a mix of historical background and modern geopolitics, it offers insight into why the conflict remains unresolved.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The crisis between Russia and Ukraine is deeply rooted in history, with 71% of Ukrainians already considering themselves at war with Russia.
• 🏰 In the 9th century, the state of Kievan Rus was powerful, with Kyiv as its capital, and modern Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians draw their lineage from this state.
• 🇷🇺 Ukraine was under Russian rule for much of its history and later became a Soviet republic, second only to Russia in terms of power and resources.
• 💣 After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Ukraine gained independence and gave up its nuclear arsenal to Russia in exchange for security assurances under the Budapest Memorandum.
• 📉 In 2013, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych rejected an EU trade deal in favor of Russian aid, sparking protests and leading to his ousting in 2014, which angered Russia.
• ⚔️ In response, Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, leveraging the region’s historical ties to Russia and its strategic military significance in the Black Sea.
• 🌍 Eastern Ukraine has seen ongoing conflict, with Russia backing separatist movements, leading to the Minsk Accords that remain unimplemented 8 years later.
• 🛑 Putin opposes Ukraine joining NATO, viewing NATO’s expansion as a threat, and has stationed Russian troops along the Ukrainian border.
• 🤝 Many Russians see Ukraine’s independence as a historical mistake, and Putin leverages this sentiment to justify Russian actions, claiming Ukraine and Russia were historically one.
• 🇺🇦 Despite historical ties, the majority of Ukrainians today reject Russia, with many supporting joining the EU and NATO, and President Zelensky represents this pro-Western sentiment.

Q & A

What was Kievan Rus, and why is it significant in the context of Russian and Ukrainian history?

Kievan Rus was a powerful state that existed from the 9th to the 12th centuries, with Kyiv as its capital. It is significant because Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians trace their cultural and historical lineage to this Slavic state, illustrating the deep historical ties between the regions.

How did Ukraine's relationship with Russia evolve after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991?

After the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Ukraine became independent, inheriting much of the Soviet nuclear arsenal. However, Ukraine gave up these nuclear weapons to Russia in 1994 in exchange for security guarantees and respect for its sovereignty, as outlined in the Budapest Memorandum.

What sparked the protests in Ukraine in 2013, known as the 'EuroMaidan' protests?

The protests were sparked by President Yanukovych's decision to reject a trade deal with the European Union in favor of a $15 billion bailout from Russia. Many Ukrainians viewed this as aligning Ukraine too closely with Moscow, leading to widespread protests demanding closer integration with Europe and Yanukovych's resignation.

Why did Russia annex Crimea in 2014, and what historical context explains this move?

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after the ousting of Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Yanukovych. Historically, Crimea had been part of Russia until it was transferred to Ukraine in 1954 by Soviet leader Khrushchev. Many in Russia believed Crimea should have remained Russian, and its strategic location in the Black Sea made it valuable for military purposes.

How did the conflict in eastern Ukraine begin, and what role did Russia play?

The conflict in eastern Ukraine began after Russia's annexation of Crimea, when Russian-backed separatists seized control of territories in Donetsk and Luhansk. Ukraine initially hesitated to launch a full offensive but escalated after the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014, which was linked to the separatists. Russia then intervened militarily to support the separatists.

What are the Minsk Accords, and why have they not been fully implemented?

The Minsk Accords, signed in 2014, were agreements between Ukraine, Russia, and the West to establish a ceasefire and hold elections in separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine. However, the accords have not been fully implemented due to ongoing fighting and disagreements over their terms.

What does Vladimir Putin want in Ukraine, and why is he opposed to NATO's expansion?

Putin wants Ukraine to remain outside of NATO and other Western alliances. He sees NATO's expansion, particularly into former Soviet states like Ukraine, as a threat to Russia's sphere of influence and security. His broader goal is to restore Russia's image as a superpower.

How do historical events explain the ethnic and linguistic divide between eastern and western Ukraine?

Eastern Ukraine has a large population of native Russian speakers, a result of historical events such as Russian imperialism, forced Russification, and Soviet-era policies. In contrast, western Ukraine has stronger cultural and political ties to Europe. This divide fuels differing attitudes toward Russia and the West.

What role did the Soviet Union's policies under leaders like Stalin and Khrushchev play in shaping modern Ukraine?

Stalin's policies, such as the forced famine in the 1930s that killed millions of Ukrainians and the relocation of ethnic Russians to repopulate eastern Ukraine, shaped the region's demographics. Khrushchev's decision to transfer Crimea to Ukraine in 1954 further complicated Ukraine's territorial integrity and relationship with Russia.

How do modern Ukrainians view Russia, according to recent polls?

According to recent polls, 70% of Ukrainians reject the idea that Russians and Ukrainians are one people. Additionally, 72% view Russia as a hostile state, and a significant percentage of Ukrainians are prepared to take up arms or stage civil resistance against Russian aggression.

Outlines

00:00

🛑 The Historical Roots of Ukraine-Russia Conflict

The complex relationship between Russia and Ukraine is rooted in history. 71% of Ukrainians feel they are already at war with Russia, tracing their origins to a state known as 'Kievan Rus' in the 9th century. Both nations, along with Belarus, claim lineage from this state, with Kiev as the capital. Over time, Ukraine was under Russian rule, becoming a key Soviet Republic. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine gained independence but gave up its nuclear arsenal to Russia in exchange for security guarantees. Tensions escalated in 2013 when pro-Russian Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, rejected a trade deal with the EU in favor of Russian support, sparking protests that led to his ousting. In response, Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, citing a historical connection to the region, but this was viewed as an annexation by the rest of the world.

05:04

📊 Ukraine's Division and Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine remains divided between its pro-European west and Russian-leaning east. With a population of 44 million and a significant GDP, the country is torn culturally and linguistically. Russian-backed separatists control regions in the Donbas, where ethnic Russians and Russian speakers dominate. Ukraine's aspiration to join NATO, opposed by Russia, is central to the conflict. Historically, Ukraine’s independence was seen as a mistake by many Russians. Putin's aim of restoring Russia’s superpower image fuels tensions, as does his rhetoric about shared history between Russians and Ukrainians. Despite Putin's claims, most Ukrainians reject Russian dominance and remain determined to preserve their sovereignty, with many prepared to fight against Russian aggression.

Keywords

💡Kyivan Rus

Kyivan Rus was a medieval Slavic state from the 9th century that played a central role in the shared history of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. It was centered in Kyiv, making it a historical foundation for Ukraine's identity. The video discusses how Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians trace their lineage to this state, emphasizing the deep historical connections between Ukraine and Russia.

💡Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin is the President of Russia and a central figure in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The video highlights his strategic motives, including his desire to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and to revive Russia's imperial past by annexing territories like Crimea. Putin is portrayed as having an obsession with Ukraine, rooted in both historical and geopolitical interests.

💡Crimea

Crimea is a peninsula located in the Black Sea, historically part of Ukraine until Russia annexed it in 2014. The video explains the strategic and historical importance of Crimea, noting that its annexation was part of Putin’s plan to restore Russian influence. It was transferred from Russia to Ukraine in 1954 and has remained a point of contention ever since, especially due to its Russian military bases.

💡Yanukovych

Viktor Yanukovych was the pro-Russian president of Ukraine until he was ousted in 2014 after rejecting an EU trade deal, sparking mass protests. The video explains that Yanukovych's ousting led to tensions between Ukraine's pro-Western and pro-Russian factions, further inflaming the conflict with Russia. His flight to Russia after the protests marked the beginning of Russia’s aggressive actions, including the annexation of Crimea.

💡Euromaidan

Euromaidan refers to the wave of protests in Ukraine that began in November 2013, demanding closer ties with the European Union and the resignation of President Yanukovych. The protests took place in Kyiv’s Independence Square, or 'Maidan.' The video underscores that Euromaidan was a pivotal moment in Ukraine's struggle for independence from Russian influence, leading to the eventual toppling of Yanukovych’s government.

💡Budapest Memorandum

The Budapest Memorandum was a 1994 agreement in which Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the US, and the UK. The video highlights that Russia’s subsequent invasion of Crimea in 2014 and the war in eastern Ukraine violated this agreement, showing the fragility of such security promises and escalating tensions between the countries.

💡NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance that Ukraine seeks to join, but Russia opposes this move vehemently. The video explains that Putin's demands include NATO’s exclusion of Ukraine and other former Soviet states, as he sees NATO’s expansion as a threat to Russian security. This conflict over NATO is a key driver of the tension between Russia and Ukraine.

💡Donbas

Donbas is a region in eastern Ukraine where pro-Russian separatists, backed by Russia, have been fighting Ukrainian forces since 2014. The video describes the region as a focal point of the ongoing war, where Russia has intervened militarily to support the separatists. The conflict in Donbas exemplifies the divide between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian sentiments within the country.

💡Minsk Accords

The Minsk Accords are a series of agreements between Russia, Ukraine, and Western powers aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Signed in 2014, they called for ceasefires, military withdrawal, and elections in separatist-held regions. However, the video explains that the Minsk Accords remain largely unimplemented, symbolizing the deadlock in efforts to achieve peace in the region.

💡Russification

Russification refers to the policy of imposing Russian language, culture, and political control over non-Russian populations, particularly in territories like Ukraine. The video points to historical periods when Ukraine was forcefully russified, especially during the reign of Catherine the Great and Joseph Stalin. This legacy is seen in the large number of Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine, and it continues to influence the current conflict.

Highlights

71% of Ukrainians believe their country is already at war with Russia.

Kiev was historically more powerful than Moscow and was the capital of Kievan Rus, a Slavic state in the 9th century.

Ukraine and America were adversaries during the Cold War when Ukraine was a Soviet republic.

Ukraine inherited much of the Soviet nuclear arsenal after the collapse of the USSR in 1991, but gave it up to Russia in exchange for a security guarantee in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.

In 2013, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych rejected an EU trade deal and accepted a $15 billion bailout from Russia, sparking protests known as EuroMaidan.

The 2014 ousting of Yanukovych, a pro-Moscow leader, led to Russia's annexation of Crimea.

The Crimean Peninsula, originally transferred to Ukraine in 1954, was annexed by Russia in 2014 following a disputed referendum.

Russia backed separatists in Eastern Ukraine, leading to ongoing conflict in the Donbas region.

The 2014 Minsk Accords attempted to broker a ceasefire between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists, but remain unimplemented.

Ukraine is Europe's largest country excluding Russia, with a population of 44 million and significant economic resources.

Ukraine is divided between a pro-European West and a pro-Russian East, with significant linguistic and cultural differences.

Russian President Vladimir Putin opposes Ukraine joining NATO and views its independence as a mistake, citing historical connections between the two nations.

Ethnic Russians were relocated to Eastern Ukraine during Soviet rule, contributing to the region's strong ties to Russia.

Current Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is a vocal critic of Russia and was elected in 2019 with 73% of the vote.

Putin aims to restore Russia’s superpower image and promote nationalism through the annexation of Ukrainian territories.

Transcripts

will Russia go to war with Ukraine all

week you've heard numerous answers to

this question in Ukraine 71% of the

people believe their country is already

at war with Russia this is a complex

crisis and all the answers are hidden in

history did you know there was a time

when Kia was more powerful than Moscow

there was also a time when Ukraine and

America were adversaries tonight we'll

bring you all these stories we will tell

you why Russian President Vladimir Putin

is obsessed with Ukraine I'm py Sharma

upadhi and this is gravitas plus we

begin in the 9th century there was a

state called kavian

Rus this is where it was located the

Slavic people lived here the city of

Kiev was their Capital between 980 and

115 the kvan Rus was ruled by Grand

prince

volodimir in Russian his name is

Vladimir in Ukrainian volodimir and as

fate would have it these are also the

names of the presidents of these two

countries today anyway Russians

ukrainians and B Russians draw their

lineage from this Slavic State a lot

changed in the centuries that followed

and for a lot of it Ukraine was under

Russian rule in the 1900s the two were

Soviet republics Russia the most

powerful of the 15 republics and Ukraine

the second most powerful it had defense

Industries large agricultural lands and

housed much of the Soviet nuclear

Arsenal during the Cold War Ukraine was

the arch rival of the United States the

Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 Ukraine

became independent as did Russia Ukraine

inherited much of Soviet nuclear Arsenal

but gave it up to Russia in 1994 in

exchange Moscow guaranteed Ukraine's

security and promised to respect its

sovereignity they signed the Budapest

memorandum along with these countries

cut to November 2013 Victor yanukovich

was a president of Ukraine he had a

reputation for heavy-handedness

corruption and above all for being

openly Pro Moscow in 2013 he rejected an

EU trade deal this deal could have meant

greater integration with the European

Union instead yanukovich decided to take

a $15 billion bailout from Russia to

many ukrainians it felt like being sold

to Moscow so protest broke out they were

called Euro Medan Euro because these

protests were about Europe and Medan

because they happened in kiev's

Medan what we today know as the

Independent Square here protesters

chanted sign the EU deal yanukovich must

step down Russia supported the president

the West supported the protesters in

February 2014 yanukovich's government

was toppled the president was driven out

of Ukraine he fled to Russia not every

Ukrainian was happy with this many in

the Russians speaking East wanted

yanukovich to stay when he was driven

out the minority felt disenfranchized on

the other side of the border Russia was

angry it had lost its puppet to s

salvaged the situation Moscow annexed

Crimea why Crimea well let's now zoom

into this part of the world Crimea is a

peninsula it is located in the Black Sea

in 1954 Soviet leader Nikita kushev

transferred Crimea it was given to the

Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from

the Russian Soviet Socialist Republic

why kushev hoped the transfer would

strengthen quote unquote brotherly ties

between the Ukrainian and Russian people

both Russia and Crimea were part of the

Soviet Union so this transfer did not

mean very much when Ukraine became

independent in 1991 Crimea joined it the

peninsula was given special autonomy it

remained home to Russian military bases

Moscow promised to respect Crimean

autonomy many in Russia were of the

opinion that Crimea should not have been

allowed to join Ukraine in 2014 when

yanukovich was ousted from power in

Ukraine Russian military began seizing

government buildings in Crimea soon the

entire Peninsula was under military OCC

occupation a referendum followed on the

16th of March 2014 crimeans voted to

become a part of Russia was this vote

legitimate it depends on who you ask for

Putin this was crimea's Liberation for

the rest of the world this was crimea's

annexation the focus then shifted to

Eastern Ukraine where Russia backed

separatists had seized territory

Ukrainian forces did not launch an

allout offensive at first but on the

17th of July 2014 when a flight carrying

298 people were shot down by these

Rebels Ukrainian forces decided to flush

out the Rebels the separatists began

losing ground so the Russian army

stepped in they invaded eastern Ukraine

and fought alongside the rebels What

followed was a series of talks between

Russia Ukraine and the West they

resulted in the Minsk Accords this was

first signed in 2014 both sides agreed

on ceasefire and Military withdrawal

Ukraine agreed to hold elections in the

Rebel held areas 8 years on the Minsk

Accords remain

unimplemented Ukraine stands as the

largest European country excluding

Russia it covers an area of more than

600,000 square kilometers with a

population of 44 million and a GDP of

more than

$155

billion per capita income more than

$3,700 today Ukraine is divided between

East and West in more ways than one the

sees itself as more European the East is

closer to Russia be it in terms of

geography or sentiment in the west most

ukrainians speak Ukrainian in the East a

third are native Russians in the west

Russia is looked at with suspicion in

the East Russia is looked at through the

lens of shared history and

Heritage Ukraine also remains at War its

forces are fighting the rebels in the

East Rebel leaders are ruling at least

two regions donet and luhans together

they're known as the donbas region

Russia has once again sent its troops

this time they're stationed right at the

border what does Vladimir Putin want for

NATO to stop expanding NATO stands for

North Atlantic Treaty Organization it's

a military Alliance these countries are

the founding members of NATO these

countries joined it during the Cold War

and these countries joined after it

Ukraine wants to join NATO too but Putin

wants NATO to exclude Ukraine and every

former Soviet

state and this is just half the story

like I said a lot is hidden in history

for starters there is domestic politics

when Putin and ex crimeia his approval

rating

skyrocketed keeping the nationalistic

drum rolling helps the Russian president

annexing parts of Ukraine also helps

Putin restore Russia's superpower image

again back to history many Russians view

Ukraine's Independence as a mistake it

is true that Ukraine was ruled by Russia

in fact Ukraine has barely remained

independent pre 1991 there was a brief

period before World War I and then

another stint in 1600 for the rest of

its modern history Ukraine was under

Russia one in six ukrainians is an

ethnic Russian one in three speaks

Russian as a native language so Putin is

right when he says historically they

were one but claiming Ukraine on the

basis of colonial history is wrong it

will be like Britain claiming India or

South Africa or Spain claiming the

Philippines past imperialism cannot

justify present day expansionism here's

what else history tells us Ukraine was

forcefully russified cut to 1700 Russian

leader Katherine the Great started rufy

Ukraine ethnic Russians were shipped to

this part of the world schools were told

to teach Russian language by 1800 the

Ukrainian language was banned in 1930

Soviet leader Joseph Stalin steered a

famine in Ukraine millions of Eastern

ukrainians were killed the area was then

repopulated with ethnic russan Russians

in the 1940s the ethnic tartars were

relocated they too were replaced with

Russians there is a reason why eastern

Ukraine today has so many Native Russian

speakers it was designed to be that way

eastern Ukraine was always dear to

Russia it has coal it has iron fertile

land its historical connection with

Russia was forced Putin time and again

talks about the Holy Rose he says

Russians and ukrainians are one people

70% ukrainians reject this thought 72%

consider Russia a hostile state today

33.3% ukrainians are ready to take up

arms against Russia

21.7% are ready to Stage a civil

resistance against Russia 67% ukrainians

want to join the EU 59% want to join the

NATO meet the current Ukrainian

president volodimir zelinski he came to

power in 2019 following a landslide

Victory he's a vocal critic of Russia

zilinski openly opposes Russian

occupation of eastern Ukraine 73% of

Ukrainian voters voted this man to power

today volodimir zilinski represents the

pulse of Ukraine the Ukraine that wants

to remain independent of Russia but

Vladimir Putin wants to become the man

who revived Russian imperialism he does

not realize the world has moved on

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