Wars in Ukraine, A History of Russian Imperialism And Insecurity

In 1654, Ukrainian Cossacks signed an alliance with Russia against Poland. But to the Russian Tsar, the Cossacks had signed on to become subjects of the Russian Empire!

IN THE NEWS:

War In Ukraine

Mr. Putin has unleashed what he calls a “special military operation”. His decision to go forward with this has set the stage for high drama. From afar, it’s like a movie. There are explosions and giant clouds of smoke and plumes of fire. Air sirens blare in major cities. And people take refuge underground in subway stations.

Except that, it’s not a movie. It’s devastation. It’s a real war, perpetrated on a real country — Ukraine. And the huddled masses in those subway stations are innocent Ukrainian civilians. And in the eyes of everyone, the hero is Ukraine’s president, Mr. Zelensky. Not Mr. Putin!

In its history, Ukraine has suffered through many wars and great battles, and much blood has been shed on Ukraine’s fertile soil at the hands of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. To better understand the complex history of Ukraine’s wars alongside and against Russia, we spoke with Dr. David R. Stone. He is…