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Background.

[/dfd_heading][vc_column_text]Ukraine is the largest country in Europe, with a population of 41 million. The country is bordered by Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. Ukraine is a lower middle-income Eastern European economy, a major wheat producer, industrial and energy exporter. Its GDP was 200 billion in 2021, and the GDP per capita was 4835 dollars. ( World Bank, 2023) After the communist revolution of 1917, the country was one of many to experience a fierce civil war before being completely absorbed into the Soviet Union in 1922 as one of the Soviet republics. In the early 1930s, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin orchestrated a famine that killed millions of Ukrainians. Afterward, Stalin imported large numbers of Russians and other Soviet citizens (many of whom did not speak Ukrainian and had few ties to the region) to repopulate the East. In 1954, Crimea was transferred from the Russian Republic to the Ukrainian Republic, making it an official part of Ukraine.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine became independent. Many Russian politicians viewed the divorce from Ukraine as a mistake of history and a threat to Russia’s standing as a great power. Russia leaders still believe in the one Russia policy and want to keep extending influence over the former Soviet states.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][dfd_spacer screen_wide_spacer_size=”180″ screen_normal_resolution=”1024″ screen_tablet_resolution=”800″ screen_mobile_resolution=”480″][vc_single_image image=”10966″ img_size=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1670507077552{margin-top: 10px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Cultural Identity

Ukraine is a complex mix of multiple ethnic groups, and cultural and political ideas. According to the latest census, in 2001, the ethnic composition was: Ukranians 77.8%, and Russians 17.3%.  Russian is widely spoken in Ukraine, particularly in the eastern and southern regions of the country. According to the Ukrainian constitution, Ukrainian is the official language of the country, but Russian and other languages are also recognized as regional languages in areas where they are spoken by a significant proportion of the population.The regions with a significant Russian-speaking population include Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, crimea, and Odessa. These regions have historically had close cultural and economic ties with Russia, and Russian is often the dominant language in these areas. However, it’s important to note that many people in these regions also speak Ukrainian or other languages, and language use can vary depending on the specific location and context.

 

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Yanukovych and the Euromaidan

Viktor Yanukovych was elected president of Ukraine in 2010. The pro-Russian president was conservative and supported old Soviet companies in the country. Ukraine was poor, corrupt-ridden, and looking for solutions to improve the lives of the Ukrainian citizens. The country was in negotiations with the European Union to join the EU. Initially, Yanukovych claimed he wanted to sign the European Association Treaty, but under pressure from Russia, he refused to sign.

In late November 2013, Ukrainians protested peacefully because more than half of the population wanted to join the European Union. The Euromaidan protestors also demanded the resignation of Yanukovych. He was the symbol of corruption, abuse, and the influence of the oligarchs. The government responded by enacting anti-protest laws and violent oppression of the protestors. The protestors built protest camps and tents on Maidan Square and stayed there from November 2013 until February 2014. Protesters built barricades and erected a stage, from which participants listened to activists, politicians, and famous Ukrainian pop groups who performed to show their support. The riot police attacked the activists several times, setting camps on fire and shooting protestors. Determined to overthrow the government, the protestors managed to occupy government buildings in February 2014, and part of the president’s government fled. This allowed the opposition to enact laws that canceled anti-protest operations, freed political detainees, and removed President Yanukovych from office.[/vc_column_text][dfd_logo_carousel list_fields=”%5B%7B%22icon_image_id%22%3A%2210963%22%2C%22description%22%3A%22Image%20short%20description%20which%20will%20be%20visible%20on%20the%20back%20side.%20%22%7D%2C%7B%22icon_image_id%22%3A%2210975%22%2C%22description%22%3A%22Image%20short%20description%20which%20will%20be%20visible%20on%20the%20back%20side.%20%22%7D%2C%7B%22icon_image_id%22%3A%2210976%22%2C%22description%22%3A%22Image%20short%20description%20which%20will%20be%20visible%20on%20the%20back%20side.%20%22%7D%5D” columns=”3″ main_style=”style-1″ opacity_before=”100″ opacity_after=”100″ thumb_radius=”1″][vc_column_text]

Russia’s Annexation of the Crimea.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began after Yanukovych was ousted in 2014. This led to pro-Russian protests in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. Russian soldiers seized control of strategic positions and infrastructure in the Ukrainian territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, after which Russia proceeded to annex Crimea. Russia also began arming and abetting separatists in the Donbas region in the country’s southeast.
This violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty was in violation of several treaties, including the Budapest Memorandum, in which Ukraine renounced nuclear weapons of the former Soviet Union on its territory in 1994 when it definitively sealed its independence in 1991. The then state borders of the country would be respected and guaranteed by the nuclear powers. Russia’s seizure of Crimea was the first time since World War II that a European state annexed the territory of another.Because of the conflicts, Ukraine expressed the desire to become an EU member state and is considering NATO membership. In 2020 Ukraine became an ‘Enhanced Opportunities Partner’ to NATO. Ukraine now participates in training and supports NATO. Russia considered the move to be a threat to its influence sphere.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

The Donbas Conflict

Almost simultaneously with the annexation of Crimea, protests by pro-Russian, anti-government separatist groups arose in the Donetsk and Luhansk region of Ukraine, collectively called the Donbas. Both areas declared themselves Republics when Russian-backed separatists seized control over the government buildings. The Ukrainian armed forces fought back and regained some of the territory occupied by separatists causing Russia to send more military presence to recover some territory. In 2014 Russia, Ukraine, and the Donetsk and Luhansk Republics signed the first peace agreement. Since the start of the conflict, there have been 29 ceasefires, but none of them has stopped the violence. The area remained a war zone, with dozens of civilians and soldiers killed every month.
After relatively low casualties, in 2021, Russia started mobilizing troops around the border and moving military forces into Crimea. In February 2022, conflicts escalated. Putin announced on 21 February 2022 that Russia would recognize the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk people’s republics. This announcement was followed by an order to deploy Russian troops to the Donbas as peacekeepers.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][dfd_heading subtitle=”” content_alignment=”text-left” enable_delimiter=”” title_font_options=”tag:h2″ subtitle_font_options=”tag:div”]

Russia’s Invasion

[/dfd_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On February 24, Putin announced a special military operation to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine. Almost immediately afterward, cruise missiles exploded in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, and Russian ground forces invaded Ukraine from Russia, Belarus, and the occupied areas of Donetsk and Lugansk. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared martial law and mobilized his people to defend the country.
Russian soldiers wanted to advance and occupy Ukraine rapidly. The Blitzkrieg and fast military operation failed to occupy Ukraine, despite a huge difference between both countries in military power and economic might. To see a comparison between Ukraine and Russia, please go to this website: https://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-comparison-detail.php?country1=ukraine&country2=russia

Several countries provide humanitarian, military, and financial aid to Ukraine. NATO and the EU avoided providing direct military support to Ukraine. The fear of a third world war and an escalation of the conflict is still possible. Major companies imposed a boycott of Russia and Belarus. Protests occurred worldwide, including in Russia, where demonstrators were arrested en masse, and the Russian government stepped up repression against independent media.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][dfd_heading subtitle=”” content_alignment=”text-left” enable_delimiter=”” title_font_options=”tag:h2″ subtitle_font_options=”tag:div” tutorials=””]

Currently occupied territories in Ukraine on November, 12  2023

[/dfd_heading][dfd_spacer screen_wide_spacer_size=”20″ screen_normal_resolution=”1024″ screen_tablet_resolution=”800″ screen_mobile_resolution=”480″][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cucmZlcmwub3JnJTJGYSUyRnJ1c3NpYS11a3JhaW5lLWNvbnRyb2wtbWFwJTJGMzE3MjQ4NzguaHRtbCUyMiUyMHdpZHRoJTNEJTIyMTIwMHB4JTIyJTIwaGVpZ2h0JTNEJTIyMTAwMHB4JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGaWZyYW1lJTNF[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Consequences of the war.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has international ripple effects. As nations worldwide were trying to recover from the pandemic, the Russian war increased the pressure on international trade and slowed global economic recovery. The war has increased inflation, jeopardized food security, and triggered an international energy crisis.  The war also increased the hostility between the West and Russia. The NATO countries have been trying to stop Russia’s aggression by increasing the number of economical sanctions. So far,  sanctions have not been able to halt Russia’s economy significantly.

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Is Peace possible?

[/dfd_heading][vc_column_text]Talks between Russia and Ukraine have been unsuccessful for almost two years. It is uncertain how much Ukraine’s territorial gains will impact peace negotiations. Peace negotiations began shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian and Russian delegations have met many times but have yet to come close to resolving the conflict. Russia claims to be consistently ready to negotiate and blames Ukraine for failing to make a breakthrough. Ukraine has set forward ten conditions for peace negotiations: First and foremost, Russia must give back all of Ukraine’s territories (including Crimea). The international community should punish Russia for war crimes; they must pay for the damages they caused. Russia must guarantee nuclear safety and energy supplies. Russia should sign a document declaring the end of the war and prevent another conflict from happening again. Russia should release all war prisoners and guarantee food security. Russia demands, on the other hand, that Ukraine and the international community accept the annexation of four Ukrainian territories: Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Putin also wants the West to stop all sanctions against Russia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section][vc_section el_id=”role” css=”.vc_custom_1632498483344{margin-top: 70px !important;}”][vc_row dfd_row_responsive_enable=”dfd-row-responsive-enable” responsive_styles=”margin_left_tablet:15|margin_right_tablet:15|margin_left_mobile:15|margin_right_mobile:15″][vc_column][dfd_heading subtitle=”” enable_delimiter=”” title_font_options=”tag:h2″ subtitle_font_options=”tag:div”]

Your Goals

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  • Limit the losses in human lives, financial resources, and infrastructure
  • Improve the relationships between all parties
  • Negotiate a Peace Agreement

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The Actors

[/dfd_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row one_page_title=”actors” anchor=”actors”][vc_column width=”1/4″ dfd_column_responsive_enable=”dfd-column-responsive-enable” col_shadow=”box_shadow_enable:disable|shadow_horizontal:0|shadow_vertical:15|shadow_blur:50|shadow_spread:0|box_shadow_color:rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.35)” col_shadow_hover=”box_shadow_enable:disable|shadow_horizontal:0|shadow_vertical:15|shadow_blur:50|shadow_spread:0|box_shadow_color:rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.35)” responsive_styles=”margin_bottom_tablet:10|margin_bottom_mobile:10″][dfd_simple_advertisement style=”style-7″ img_width=”300″ img_height=”250″ title=”EU” subtitle=”” image_effect=”panr” portfolio_hover_mask_background_opacity=”40″ title_font_options=”tag:div” subtitle_font_options=”tag:div” info_font_options=”tag:div” info_block_background_color=”#28fff0″ image=”10803″ portfolio_hover_enable=”on” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbusociety.com%2Feurope-3%2F|title:Europe”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″ dfd_column_responsive_enable=”dfd-column-responsive-enable” col_shadow=”box_shadow_enable:disable|shadow_horizontal:0|shadow_vertical:15|shadow_blur:50|shadow_spread:0|box_shadow_color:rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.35)” col_shadow_hover=”box_shadow_enable:disable|shadow_horizontal:0|shadow_vertical:15|shadow_blur:50|shadow_spread:0|box_shadow_color:rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.35)” responsive_styles=”margin_bottom_tablet:10|margin_bottom_mobile:10″][dfd_simple_advertisement style=”style-7″ img_width=”300″ img_height=”250″ title=”USA” subtitle=”” shadow=”permanent” sa_box_shadow=”box_shadow_enable:enable|shadow_horizontal:0|shadow_vertical:25|shadow_blur:70|shadow_spread:0|box_shadow_color:rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.6)” image_effect=”panr” portfolio_hover_mask_background_opacity=”40″ image=”10804″ title_font_options=”tag:div|color:%23ffffff” subtitle_font_options=”tag:div” info_font_options=”tag:div” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbusociety.com%2Funited-states%2F|title:USA” portfolio_hover_enable=”on” info_block_background_color=”#28fff0″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][dfd_simple_advertisement style=”style-7″ img_width=”300″ img_height=”250″ title=”Russia” subtitle=”” image_effect=”panr” portfolio_hover_mask_background_opacity=”40″ image=”10340″ title_font_options=”tag:div” subtitle_font_options=”tag:div” info_font_options=”tag:div” portfolio_hover_enable=”on” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbusociety.com%2Frussia%2F|title:Russia” info_block_background_color=”#28fff0″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][dfd_simple_advertisement style=”style-7″ img_width=”300″ img_height=”250″ title=”Ukraine” subtitle=”” shadow=”permanent” sa_box_shadow=”box_shadow_enable:enable|shadow_horizontal:0|shadow_vertical:25|shadow_blur:70|shadow_spread:0|box_shadow_color:rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.6)” image_effect=”panr” portfolio_hover_mask_background_opacity=”40″ image=”10344″ title_font_options=”tag:div|color:%23ffffff” subtitle_font_options=”tag:div” info_font_options=”tag:div” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fbusociety.com%2Fukraine%2F|title:USA” portfolio_hover_enable=”on” info_block_background_color=”#28fff0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][/vc_section]

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