History of Eastern Europe: Ukraine-Russia Crisis

The crisis in Ukraine, central to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, traces its origins to 2014. It was then that Ukraine plunged into chaos with widespread protests erupting in Kyiv. These demonstrations led to the collapse of the government and the subsequent flight of President Viktor Yanukovych, to Russia.

The situation rapidly escalated into an international crisis when Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized the deployment of special forces to annex Crimea, a strategically significant region of Ukraine situated along the Black Sea coast. This move set off a series of conflicts in Eastern Ukraine, marked by fierce battles between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists. A tragic consequence of this conflict was the downing of a Malaysian airliner, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis that saw the displacement of several million people.

This situation unfolded decades after the Soviet Union’s fall due to a longstanding identity crisis between Ukraine and Russia, with roots going back centuries. Experts point out that Russia is a nation on its own but transforms into an empire when it includes Ukraine. This raises a critical question: what kind of Russia develops when it adopts an imperial identity, showing a desire to expand and pose a threat to its neighboring countries?

Ukraine’s history is marked by diverse memories and connections with both Russia and the West. Its significant size and rich agricultural land have earned it the title of “Europe’s breadbasket.” However, its flat terrain has historically made it a battleground. Presently, Ukraine remains divided, positioned between Poland and Lithuania in the west and Russia in the east.

In the late 20th century, the country was torn between loyalties to the West and Russia. After Ukraine achieved independence in 1991, it struggled to manage its relationships with both these powers. The country also had to deal with the complexities of its varied population and the issue of widespread corruption.

The Orange Revolution in 2004 appeared to be a turning point, with people gathering to protest against rigged election results and to support Viktor Yushchenko. Yet, the years that followed were marked by a lack of significant change. Influential oligarchs maintained their stronghold over Ukraine’s political scene, dampening the initial optimism of the revolution.

The Euromaidan protests broke out in 2014, sparked by President Yanukovych’s decision not to sign a deal with the European Union. After he fled Ukraine, Russia intervened in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine. President Putin claimed this action was necessary to safeguard ethnic Russians and to bring stability to what he described as a failed state.

The situation in Ukraine has led to serious concerns about Eastern Europe’s future. It raises the question: Will this century see peace or a reversion to the turbulent territorial disputes of the past? The European Union and the United States have criticized Putin’s moves and placed sanctions on Russia. However, the response to potential “hybrid warfare” scenarios in the future is still unclear. There’s also the question of NATO’s involvement in upholding regional security and the overall fate of the area.

A History of Eastern Europe: Ukraine-Russia Crisis (Video)