The Historical Roots of Conflict Between Ukraine and Russia

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia is far from a new phenomenon, tracing back centuries. The wars and skirmishes between these nations have been a persistent feature of Eastern European and Central Asian history, with origins that predate the emergence of modern nation-states.

Historical Beginnings

The expansion of Russian influence in Ukraine can be traced back to the Treaty of Pereiaslav in 1654. This agreement between Cossack Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky and the Muscovite tsar marked the beginning of a complex and often violent relationship that has lasted for centuries. The following poem captures the essence of this historical tension:

In the village of Subotiv
Upon a lofty hill
There stands the coffin 2 of Ukraine
A crypt both wide and still
It is the church of great Bohdan
Where once he used to pray
That Muscovite and Cossack
Might share good and ill always.
May peace be to your soul Bohdan!
Their gain has been our loss
The Muscovites have snatched away
All that they came across
And now they rend the burial mounds
In search of further loot
Their hand assaults your hidden vault
They curse your soul to boot
Because they've nothing for their pains...
Thus it is, Bohdan!
You've ruined derelict Ukraine
By your most friendly plan!
And this must be the gratitude
Now falling to your share...
The church that once had coffined you
No neighbor will repair!
That same Ukraine where long ago
You broke the Polish threat
The Cossacks of Great Catherinen
Like locusts have beset.

Modern Uprising

Fast forward to the 20th century, the conflict continued with the Maidan Revolution of 2014, Russian aggression in Crimea, and the "insurrection" in the Donbas. However, the actions of February 2022 were a further escalation of an already ongoing conflict.

Current Conflict

The current conflict officially began on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine. However, this is not the first time Russia has engaged in war against Ukraine. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and invaded parts of the Donbas region, marking the beginning of an eight-year conflict.

Historical Context and Influence

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Grand Duchy of Moscow expanded its influence through conflict and war, acquiring territory such as the Principality of Smolensk in 1512. This period coincided with the expansionist ambitions of Russia, much like America during the era of Manifest Destiny. These historical actions have influenced the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe and Central Asia to this day.

Historically, issues established or settled by force are often subject to change when those forced retaliate. This cycle, while not a law, repeats itself with frightening regularity. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia appears to be an ongoing cycle of force, counter-force, and counter-counter-force, punctuated by periods of relative peace. Breaking such a cycle may well require divine intervention or a fundamental shift in global politics.

Understanding the historical roots of the Ukraine-Russia conflict is crucial to comprehending the ongoing complexities of global politics and security. As the world watches, the outcome of this conflict will shape the future of not only these two nations but also the entire region and beyond.