Are Ukrainians And Russians One People, As Claimed By Mr. Putin?

Did you know, that the word Ukraine literally means “borderland”?

IN THE NEWS:

Mr. Putin’s Sentiments Towards Ukraine

According to the Wall Street Journal, in a 2021 paper that was shared with Russia’s military, Mr. Putin wrote that “Russians and Ukrainians are one people, a single whole.” As if anticipating this podcast, the New York Times asks a direct question: “What do you know about the two nations at the center of this conflict, Ukraine and Russia?”

The answer to this question is more than an intriguing academic exercise. It has to do with our news. It has to do with Russia’s menace — its 100,000-plus troops massed along Ukraine’s border.

To answer this question, and to better understand Ukraine beyond its immediate perils and politics, such as its language, religion and long history with Russia, we spoke with Ms. Catherine Wanner, a professor of history, anthropology and religious studies at PennState University. She has devoted her career to the study of Ukraine and Ukrainians. Her most recent book is titled Everyday Religiosity and the Politics of Belonging in Ukraine, and her previous books include State Secularism and Lived Religion in Soviet…