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.