The relationship between Russia and Ukraine is deeply complex and marked by a long, intertwined history punctuated by periods of cooperation and conflict. Both nations trace their origins back to Kyivan Rus’, a medieval state centered in present-day Ukraine, fostering a shared cultural and religious heritage.

However, divergence emerged over centuries. Ukraine developed its own language, customs, and identity, while Moscow gradually rose to prominence as the center of Russian power. The influence of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Austro-Hungarian Empire shaped Western Ukraine, further differentiating it from the Russian-influenced East.

In the 20th century, the relationship became particularly fraught. Ukraine experienced a brief period of independence after World War I, but was ultimately incorporated into the Soviet Union. The Holodomor, a man-made famine in the 1930s engineered by Stalin’s regime, resulted in the deaths of millions of Ukrainians and left a deep scar of resentment towards Moscow.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine declared its independence, a move initially recognized by Russia. However, tensions persisted, particularly concerning the status of the Russian-speaking population in Ukraine, the Black Sea Fleet based in Crimea, and Ukraine’s geopolitical orientation.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, following the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity, marked a major escalation of the conflict. Russia also began supporting separatists in eastern Ukraine, leading to a protracted war in the Donbas region. Russia argued it was protecting the rights of Russian speakers and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, which it views as a threat to its security.

Ukraine, on the other hand, sees Russia’s actions as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It seeks closer ties with the West and aspires to join the European Union and NATO. The conflict in eastern Ukraine has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, and has had a devastating impact on the region’s economy.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 dramatically altered the landscape. The international community has largely condemned Russia’s aggression and imposed sanctions. Ukraine has mounted a strong resistance, receiving military and humanitarian aid from Western countries.

The conflict is not just a territorial dispute; it is a struggle over Ukraine’s identity, its future, and its right to choose its own path. It has also become a proxy conflict between Russia and the West, with profound implications for the future of European security and the global order.

2048×1444 russia warns ukraine potential military response york times from www.nytimes.com