Reviewing Putin's Perspective Shift and the Tangled Ties of Ukraine and Russia
Putin's latest Monday evening speech painted a distorted picture, preparing Russia to claim portions of Ukraine as independent "People's Republics." This stance has raised concerns in ex-Soviet republics and the Baltic nations, highlighting Putin's intent to rebuild the Soviet Union.
The Legacy of Ancient Kiev Rus
Thousands of years ago, Grand Prince Vladimir the Great of Kiev embraced Christianity, expanding the territory of Kiev Rus to an astonishing size. This became Europe's largest nation, boasting a population four times larger than modern France, spanning various regions including contemporary Russia and Poland. Kiev peaked in population during the early 12th century with a figure near 100,000, ranking it among the world's largest cities. Putin's assertion that Kiev was under Mongol rule before 1700 is flawed, to say the least.
Modern Ukraine: A Creation by Force
Contradicting Putin's claims, historical records paint a different picture. The modern Ukraine emerged following a brutal power struggle between the White Army and the Red Army during the early Soviet Union. The bloody conflict culminated in the Bolsheviks seizing Kiev in February 1919, initiating a reign of chaos, leaderless conflicts, and a devastating loss of power for Ukraine.
Six different armies annexed control over Ukraine's territory, with Kiev alternating hands at least five times within a single year. Order was restored, but not by the Ukrainians; rather, it was instigated by the Bolsheviks, who subsequently initiated violent massacres and looted resources. The circumstances resulted in a catastrophic famine, the Holodomor, that decimated Ukraine.
Gorbachev's Downfall and Putin's Agenda
Putin attacked Gorbachev's role in predicting and overseeing the collapse of the Soviet Union, setting his sights on reversing the dismantling of the empire. In Putin's words, the breakup of the Soviet Union was a "matter of conscience."
The Threat: A Historical Distortion
Putin accused Ukraine's authorities of denying the historical connections between Russia and Ukraine while attempting to distort the memories of millions living in Ukraine. His aggressive rhetoric has a familiar ring; Putin has previously targeted other ex-Soviet republics with comparable aggression.
The Historical Base of Modern Ukraine
Once a tumultuous battlefield between the White and Red armies, Ukraine emerged from the dust as a unique country with a complex story. Despite Putin's desire to recreate the old Soviet Union through force, this ambition will not find a favourable response amongst the Ukrainian people.
Historical Enrichments: The Thread That, Sometimes, Connects
Ukraine's relationship with Russia is steeped in enriched history. Key events and influences have shaped their connection over time, including:
- Middle Ages: Ivan Fyodorov's publication of the Ostrog Bible, marked a significant cultural achievement and demonstrates Russian influence in the region.
- Cossack Rebellion: Led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky, the Cossack Rebellion of the late 17th century ultimately resulted in Eastern Ukraine's incorporation into the Tsardom of Russia under the Pereiaslav Agreement of 1654, allowing Cossacks to maintain relative autonomy.
- Soviet Union and the Ukrainian SSR: Ukraine emerged as a battleground in the Russian Civil War, ultimately becoming a Soviet republic in 1922 and incorporating the Ukrainian People's Republic. However, Russian influence continued to wield power over Ukrainian affairs.
- 1991 Independence Referendum and the Post-Soviet Era: In December 1991, Ukraine held a referendum for independence from the Soviet Union, maintaining a strong relationship with Russia despite political pressure to reconsider.
- Modern Tensions and Conflicts: Euromaidan protests in 2014 and Russian-backed separatist activity have complicated Ukraine's ambitions, making it crucial to understand the historical context and political dynamics that have shaped their relationship with Russia.
