A Brief History Of Ukraine (And Why Russia Wants To Control It)

Summary

The history of Ukraine and Russia is deeply intertwined, spanning over a thousand years of complex relationships. Beginning with the Kievan Rus state, both nations share common roots, but events like the Mongol invasions, the rise of Russia, and Ukraine's struggle for sovereignty have shaped their ongoing tensions. From the Holodomor and Soviet-era repression to modern conflicts, including the annexation of Crimea and Ukraine's pursuit of closer ties with the West, the region's political landscape has remained volatile. This historical context reveals the profound significance Ukraine holds for Russia, both strategically and sentimentally, amid continuing geopolitical strife.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ukraine and Russia have a complex historical relationship dating back over a thousand years, with shared roots in the Kievan Rus state.
• 😀 The Kievan Rus state, centered around Kiev, was an early precursor to both modern Russia and Ukraine, making Kiev significant to both nations.
• 😀 After the Mongol invasion in the 13th century, the region split, with Moscow rising as the heart of Russia, while Ukraine was absorbed by various powers like the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland.
• 😀 The 1654 Treaty of Pereaslav marked a pivotal moment when Ukrainian Cossacks aligned with Russia, which later contributed to the idea of Ukraine's 'reunification' with Russia.
• 😀 Crimea, historically part of various empires, was annexed by Russia in 1783 during the reign of Catherine the Great.
• 😀 By the 19th century, Ukrainian identity began to emerge more fully, but Ukrainians were still considered 'Little Russians' by Russians, a term that downplayed their distinct identity.
• 😀 The Holodomor famine in the 1930s, which resulted in millions of Ukrainian deaths, is viewed by many as a genocide orchestrated by Stalin's Soviet government.
• 😀 During WWII, Ukraine was devastated by the Nazi occupation, suffering significant casualties, but it also became a key battleground for Soviet forces during their counteroffensive.
• 😀 In 1954, the Soviet Union transferred Crimea from the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, a decision that would later contribute to tensions between the two countries.
• 😀 Ukraine gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 following a referendum where over 90% of the population voted for independence, though Russia never fully accepted Ukraine as a sovereign state.
• 😀 In recent years, Ukraine's pursuit of closer ties with NATO and the EU, particularly in 2019, has exacerbated tensions with Russia, which views this as a direct threat to its security and influence in the region.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of Kiev in the context of Ukraine and Russia's relationship?

Kiev was the heart of the Kievan Rus state between the 8th and 11th centuries. It was referred to as the 'mother of Rus' cities and served as the capital of the Kievan Rus state. The city is considered central to the origins of the Russian, Belarusian, and Ukrainian peoples, making it a symbolic and historical focal point for these nations.

What role did the Mongol invasion play in the breakup of Kievan Rus?

The Mongol invasion in the 13th century significantly weakened the Kievan Rus state. The Battle of the Kalka River in 1223 and subsequent Mongol conquests led to the collapse of the state, leaving the region under the control of the Golden Horde. This contributed to the rise of the Grand Duchy of Moscow, which later became the Russian Empire.

How did the Cossacks contribute to the historical connection between Ukraine and Russia?

The Cossacks, who were closely linked with Kiev and Ukraine, played a crucial role in resisting the control of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and rebelling in favor of joining Russia. The 1654 Treaty of Pereyaslav solidified this connection when the Cossacks formally offered their allegiance to the Russian tsar, a move that later became symbolized as the reunification of Ukraine with Russia.

What was the impact of the Holodomor on Ukraine's relationship with Russia?

The Holodomor, a man-made famine in the 1930s, was a state-sponsored genocide by Stalin's government that resulted in the deaths of up to four million Ukrainians. This event severely strained relations between Ukraine and Russia, reinforcing Ukrainian nationalism and a sense of independence from Russian control.

How did the Crimean War affect Russia's relationship with Ukraine?

During the Crimean War (1853-1856), Russia fought against a coalition of the Ottoman Empire, France, and the UK. The defeat of Russia in the war led to internal reforms and modernizations, but it also marked a period of instability in Ukraine, particularly as the region struggled with its identity and its place within the Russian Empire.

Why was the 1954 transfer of Crimea from Russia to Soviet Ukraine significant?

The transfer of Crimea from Russia to Soviet Ukraine in 1954 seemed unimportant at the time due to the strength of the Soviet Union. However, in the post-Soviet era, this move became a point of contention, as Russia's later annexation of Crimea in 2014 was not internationally recognized, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.

What was the outcome of Ukraine's 1991 referendum for independence?

In 1991, Ukraine held a referendum where over 84% of the population participated, with 92.3% voting in favor of declaring independence from the Soviet Union. This marked Ukraine's official recognition as an independent state and was a key moment in the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

How did the Orange Revolution of 2004 impact Ukraine's relationship with Russia?

The Orange Revolution of 2004 was sparked by a controversial presidential election and widespread protests. The overturning of the election result and the election of Viktor Yushchenko as president symbolized Ukraine's shift towards closer ties with the West and its distancing from Russian influence.

What was the significance of Ukraine's 2014 Revolution of Dignity (Maidan Revolution)?

The Revolution of Dignity in 2014, prompted by President Yanukovych's refusal to sign a political association and free trade agreement with the EU, led to violent protests and the eventual ousting of the president. This event further solidified Ukraine's national identity and increased tensions with Russia, which resulted in Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Why did Russia annex Crimea in 2014, and how did this impact the international community?

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity and its move towards closer ties with the EU and NATO. Crimea holds strategic military and economic significance, particularly for Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Despite Russia's control, the annexation was not recognized by the international community, further escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.