Russia & Ukraine: A history of rivalry?

Summary

Russia and Ukraine, despite sharing ancestry, language, and religious ties, have a long history of conflict rooted in territorial disputes and political tension. From the medieval origins of the Eastern Slavic state in Kyiv to Russia's suppression of Ukrainian identity, the relationship has been marked by violence, such as the Soviet-era Holodomor famine and WWII's divisive alliances. Post-Soviet independence saw Ukraine torn between Russian influence and Western alignment, sparking protests and revolutions. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the ongoing war in Eastern Ukraine highlight the deepening divide between the two nations, with global consequences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Both Russia and Ukraine share common ancestry and history, dating back over a millennium, with Kiev being the birthplace of the first Eastern Slavic state.
• 😀 The term 'Russian' originally referred to Scandinavian Vikings who conquered Slavic tribes, influencing both Russian and Ukrainian identities.
• 😀 Kiev holds immense cultural and historical significance for both Russians and Ukrainians, making it a focal point of their ongoing conflict.
• 😀 In the 18th century, Russia annexed Ukraine, which was later ruled under the Russian Empire, with Ukrainian nationalism suppressed under the tsars.
• 😀 The Soviet Union's rise led to horrific events like the Holodomor, a man-made famine orchestrated by Stalin in the 1930s, which killed millions of Ukrainians.
• 😀 During WWII, many Ukrainians fought alongside the Nazis against Russia, deepening the division between the two nations, leading to mass deportations by Stalin.
• 😀 In 1954, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, who had Ukrainian roots, controversially gifted Crimea to Ukraine, the reasons for which remain disputed.
• 😀 Ukraine declared its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but territorial and political tensions with Russia remained, particularly over Crimea.
• 😀 The 2004 Orange Revolution in Ukraine saw the rise of a pro-Western government, which was followed by a shift back to pro-Russian leadership in 2010 with Viktor Yanukovych.
• 😀 The 2014 Maidan Revolution, sparked by dissatisfaction with Yanukovych's pro-Russian stance, led to his ouster, followed by Russia's annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbass.
• 😀 Despite ongoing conflicts and territorial disputes, Ukraine has sought closer ties with the EU and NATO, while Russia continues to maintain control over Crimea and Donetsk, making peace elusive.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Kiev for both Russia and Ukraine?

Kiev, the current capital of Ukraine, holds monumental historical significance for both Russians and Ukrainians as it is the birthplace of the first Eastern Slavic state, which is central to the development of the national identities of both nations.

How did the Russian Tsars contribute to the tensions between Russia and Ukraine?

In the 18th century, the Russian Tsars annexed Ukraine, incorporating it into their empire. This move led to Russian efforts to suppress Ukrainian language and culture in the 19th century, aiming to curb nationalist movements and maintain control over the fertile region known as Europe’s breadbasket.

What was the Holodomor, and how did it affect relations between Russia and Ukraine?

The Holodomor, orchestrated by Soviet leader Joseph Stalin in the 1930s, was a man-made famine in Ukraine that resulted in millions of deaths. It remains a deeply painful memory for Ukrainians, contributing to longstanding resentment and animosity towards Russia.

How did the Second World War impact the relationship between Russia and Ukraine?

During WWII, some Ukrainians fought alongside Nazi forces against the Soviet Union. After the war, Stalin sought to punish Ukraine, resulting in mass deportations to Siberian gulags and further deepening the schism between the two nations.

Why did Nikita Khrushchev, a Soviet leader of Ukrainian descent, transfer Crimea to Ukraine in 1954?

Khrushchev's decision to transfer Crimea to Ukraine in 1954 is still debated. Some argue it was an apology for the brutal actions taken during Stalin's reign, while others suggest it was a political move to strengthen the Soviet Union’s unity. The exact reasons remain unclear.

What were the main events leading to Ukraine’s independence in 1991?

Ukraine declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. This was a result of the weakening of the communist regime and the influence of the West, following the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet state.

How did the election of pro-Western leaders in Ukraine affect its relationship with Russia?

The election of pro-Western leaders like Viktor Yushchenko and the re-signing of Ukraine’s association agreement with the European Union in 2017 antagonized Russia, as it saw this shift toward the West as a threat to its influence in the region, particularly in areas like Crimea and Donbass.

What sparked the 2014 Maidan Revolution in Ukraine?

The Maidan Revolution, or Revolution of Dignity, was sparked in 2013 when pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych withdrew from a planned association agreement with the European Union. Widespread protests followed, leading to Yanukovych fleeing to Russia in 2014.

How did Russia respond to the Maidan Revolution and the subsequent change in Ukraine's political direction?

In response to the Maidan Revolution and Ukraine's shift toward the West, Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, and Russian-backed separatist groups took control of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine, further escalating tensions.

What role does the conflict in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine play in the broader geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West?

The conflict in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine represents a critical flashpoint in the ongoing rivalry between Russia and the West. Russia seeks to maintain control over Crimea and other strategic areas, while Western nations, especially NATO and the European Union, support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, increasing tensions in the region.