Intro
‘Welcome back to Ukraine’s Story – a History Buff series in which we chart Ukraine’s national story, from the mediaeval Kyivan Rus right up to independence, and the current Russo-Ukrainian War. Last time we talked about the Euromaiden protests and the Revolution of Dignity. This event marked a pivotal moment in modern Ukraine’s journey toward European integration. After the Euromaidan protests in 2014, Russia violated Ukraine’s territorial integrity by annexing Crimea and instigating an armed rebellion in the East, marking the beginning of the Russo-Ukrainian war, initially confined to the eastern regions. In this final episode of the Ukraine’s Story series, we will delve into the war’s escalation that remains vivid in our memories – Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022.’
Ukraine on the eve of the full-scale invasion
‘Before February 2022, despite the difficult situation in the east, Ukraine had tried to maintain a semblance of normal life. President Petro Poroshenko, elected in 2014, took steps to draw Ukraine closer to Europe, introducing a visa-free regime with Schengen countries in 2017. Poroshenko also implemented measures and reforms aimed at stabilising and improving Ukraine’s economic and social situation. An innovative approach included the introduction of electronic declarations for public officials to combat corruption, although corruption persisted. The social and economic situation became increasingly tense, with the national currency, the hryvnia, losing value against the US dollar, and rising prices for utilities and food. These negative trends were attributed to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, creating challenges for the nation’s daily survival. The Ukrainian people grew weary of lies, corruption, social inequality, and the protracted situation in Donbas that showed no prospects for resolution.
‘On the eve of the 2019 presidential election, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a comedian and actor from the popular program Kvartal 95, entered the Ukrainian political scene. Zelenskyy’s immense popularity helped him secure a record 73% of the vote. His election program promised improvements in Ukraine’s political and economic situation, efforts for EU accession, and, crucially, an end to hostilities in the East. Many experts compared Zelenskyy to Ronald Reagan and predicted his success. Despite Zelenskyy’s early efforts to implement reforms and fight corruption, challenges arose due to his lack of political experience and disagreements within the Verkhovna Rada. The pro-Russian Opposition Platform – For Life party, led by Viktor Medvedchuk, who is associated with Vladimir Putin, often obstructed legislative progress. After the full-scale invasion, members of the Opposition Platform – For Life party fled to Russia, and Medvedchuk was arrested.
‘Zelenskyy’s active diplomatic efforts improved Ukraine’s relations with Europe and America, and he actively called for international cooperation. However, in addressing Russian aggression, Zelenskyy opted for negotiation tactics, seeking a peaceful resolution. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, displayed an unwillingness to let Ukraine go and showed no interest in open diplomatic contact. All of Putin’s actions were perceived as stalling for time, with the belief that eventually, the world would tire of supporting Ukraine, making it easier for Russia to capture it. Political contradictions among MPs, corruption, and slow improvement of the social and economic situation persisted in Ukraine until that fateful day – 24 February 2022.’
Russia’s full-scale invasion
‘The situation around Ukraine was growing tense, with Vladimir Putin refusing diplomatic contact and accusing Ukraine of Minsk agreement violations, which he himself openly flouted. To exert political and psychological pressure, the Russian army conducted joint military exercises with the Belarusian army, exploiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s de facto dependence on Russia. American and British intelligence warned of Russian troop build-ups near the Ukrainian border, signalling preparations for an invasion, though many in Ukraine were initially sceptical. Poland established a refugee reception centre on its border in anticipation of potential migration waves.
‘On 24 February 2022, at 4:50 a.m., Putin’s pre-recorded speech aired on Russian television, officially recognizing the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republic as parts of the Russian Federation. Most significantly, he announced the commencement of a special military operation or “SVO.” The “SVO” aimed to protect the Russian-speaking population, demilitarise the Ukrainian army, and eliminate what Putin referred to as the “Nazi elite” and all individuals labelled as “fascists,” “Bandits,” and “Nazis” terrorising Ukraine. This is despite the fact that Zelensky himself is Jewish.
‘Simultaneously, around 3 and 4 a.m., Russian aviation initiated missile strikes on major military facilities and airports in Ukraine, while Russian columns advanced from Crimea, Donbas, and Belarus. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, in a morning address on 24 February, urged unity, resilience, and resistance against the aggressor, demonstrating personal resolve by rejecting political asylum and expressing his intention to stay in Ukraine and announcing the severing of all diplomatic ties with Russia. The Ukrainian army, considered cohesive and effective, received support and weapons from international partners, enabling them to withstand and launch counter attacks against the invaders.
‘These are a list of some of the most important events and hostilities so far:
‘That all marked the first year of the full-scale invasion—a year permeated by pain, suffering, despair, and a stark struggle between good and evil. However, post the anniversary of the full-scale invasion, the conflict evolved into a positional trench warfare reminiscent of the First World War, occasionally witnessing changes in specific sections of the front. The Ukrainian army persisted in maintaining its positions and mounting counter attacks against the adversary.
‘In recent months, much attention has focused on Bakhmut, steadfastly defended by Ukrainian forces. The Wagner Private Military Company, or PMC Wagner, relentlessly besieged the city since the summer of 2022. Led by Yevgeny Prygozhyn, an international criminal and terrorist, Wagner operates under complete Russian control. Notably, Wagner’s composition comprises hired thugs and assassins with extensive combat experience, differing from regular Russian troops. Despite pressures exerted by Wagner and other Russian groups, Bakhmut remained unconquered. Owing to ammunition shortages and significant casualties, Wagner was compelled to abandon the city. In response, Prygozhyn accused the Russian military command of “shelling” his group. On June 24, he declared a march on Moscow, with his private military company entering Rostov on that day. Unofficial Russian sources allude to clashes between Wagner and Russian troops. Subsequently, under an agreement between Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin abandoned his plan. Russian intelligence’s official version claimed Prigozhin’s plane crashed on August 23, 2023, with no survivors. Many speculate that this was Putin’s retribution for Prigozhin’s mutiny, exposing Russia’s internal crisis. The Wagner PMC uprising further eroded the authority of Russia’s ruling elite and spotlighted vulnerabilities in its defence.
‘Nevertheless, the conflict in Ukraine persists. Despite global media announcements of a substantial Ukrainian counterattack in the summer of 2023, significant changes on the hostilities map are yet to materialise. Delayed deliveries of essential weapons from allies and extensive covert mobilisation in Russia hinder Ukraine’s decisive breakthrough. Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, acknowledged a delay in the war but cautioned against panic. Urging modernization of weapons and expansion of capabilities, he emphasised the risks of concessions to the aggressor, acknowledging weariness in Ukraine and globally. By the last days of November, the Ukrainian Armed Forces managed to consolidate and extend their presence on the left bank of the Kherson region. Simultaneously, Russian forces persist in their assault on Avdiivka in the Donetsk region, earning it the moniker “second Bakhmut” due to the fierce intensity of the fighting. Ukrainian defenders valiantly safeguard every inch of Ukrainian territory.’
The social and political implications of the war in Ukraine
‘In their desperate struggle for survival, Ukrainians have united like never before. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s popularity and authority has soared, securing substantial diplomatic achievements, including agreements with allies for consistent arms supplies, financial aid, and humanitarian assistance. For the first time, the world has coalesced around Ukraine, standing together against global adversity. Zelenskyy’s diplomatic efforts included visits to Ukraine’s most vehement supporters the United States, Britain and Poland, alongside active participation in numerous conferences and summits aimed at resolving the Ukrainian crisis. On the domestic front, numerous Ukrainian politicians, artists, musicians, actors, and professionals from various fields have joined the Armed Forces or engaged actively in volunteer initiatives.
‘The aftermath of Russian aggression on liberated territories and the relentless missile attacks remain profoundly distressing. Since the initiation of the full-scale invasion, Russian forces have targeted cities such as Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Kyiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kryvyi Rih, resulting in extensive damage or destruction across nearly all Ukrainian cities. Mariupol, now under occupation, has been decimated, reduced to ruins, with unofficial estimates suggesting about 22 thousand people buried in mass graves near the city. Disturbingly, many bodies discovered in locations like Izyum showed signs of torture. In Irpin and Bucha, mass executions were evident, with bodies found in basements, hands tied, and heads shot through. Ongoing attacks by Russian occupiers target hospitals, schools, and residential structures, signalling an intent to continue damaging critical infrastructure. The surviving population in occupied territories, subjected to repression and torture, faces particular hardships. Russian troops have established filtration camps to identify those deemed disloyal to the Russian government. Thousands of children have been separated from their parents, abducted, and taken to Russian territory. The persistent threat of blowing up the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant looms, and Russian troops have already committed a direct war crime and ecocide by blowing up the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, resulting in 31 deaths and the flooding of thousands of homes. Ukrainians endure daily pain, suffering, physical abuse, and sexual assault by the Russian military. The beheading of a Ukrainian soldier captured on video underscores the extent to which the Russian army, ostensibly combating world fascism, has unwittingly become its mirror image, if not worse than Hitler’s Germany.’
They must know its “Liberator”
‘Russian propagandists continue to spout absurd claims about “liberating Ukraine” from “America and Fascist NATO” and restoring “Russian peace” on the ground. However, can the Russian army truly accomplish such a “feat”? Let’s now provide an insight into the typical Russian occupier, whom the Russian media hails as a hero.
‘A Russian soldier is an individual lacking comprehensive knowledge of history and distant from political science. Clad in primitive military gear presented as cutting-edge equipment, the soldier, due to substantial losses and equipment shortages, resorts to outdated weaponry and ammunition. The primary objective of the Russian military is to engage in looting, mistreat and kill civilians, and commit acts of torture and crime. Among the most prized loot are household items such as toilets, refrigerators, and washing machines. Ukrainian cultural heritage and museum collections have been plundered solely on orders from the highest authorities. Additionally, the occupier is frequently subjected to discrimination by their command and is deployed as cannon fodder across various frontline locations. Many Russian occupiers have a criminal history, having been specifically released from Russian prisons to engage in killing and robbery.
‘Upon capture, a Russian soldier promptly abandons imperialist intentions, condemns the genocide of Ukrainians, and recounts instances where wounded comrades were left to perish on the battlefield. It is imperative for the world to recognize the face of this absolute evil and comprehend the daily challenges Ukraine confronts in resisting such forces.
‘Now, it’s extremely important for me to caveat all this by saying that there are plenty of Russians who despise Putin and everything he and his band of thugs are doing to and in the name of Russia. I personally have plenty of Russian friends here in Berlin who for example volunteered immediately after the full-scale invasion started to help with the welcoming of Ukrainian refugees, and some of them are psychologists who help the refugees deal with their trauma. Some of these Russians simply spend time with Ukrainian refugees, entertaining them or helping them navigate the tiresome German bureaucracy and finding accommodation (which is not easy in a lot of German cities and nowhere more so than Berlin). However, due to the distortions of the state media in Russia, it’s impossible to know exactly how much of the population inside the country is actually against the war.’
Final thoughts
‘Ukraine is enduring a full-scale invasion orchestrated by the Russian Federation. Each day, Ukrainians face extensive rocket attacks and the genocide of their own people. Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian people stand resilient, continuing to fight for their survival. They express immense gratitude to the international community and all those offering help and support. A special acknowledgment is extended to the citizens of Russia who actively aid Ukraine, resist Putin’s regime, and enlist in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
‘Now it should be stressed that assessing the ongoing events from a historical perspective is highly challenging as the full truth remains elusive, and much remains concealed. Furthermore, what makes this even more challenging is that we are watching the war play out on social media, where certain situations and events can be twisted to suit a certain narrative. The war is still ongoing and more information will come to light. Today, I have shared what we know for certain. However, history continues to be written on new pages yet to be revealed. Our only hope lies in positive developments. Let us hope that one day, Ukraine will be at peace as a fully sovereign, thriving democracy. I also personally dare to dream that Ukraine will one day live beside a civil and equally democratic Russia, with whom it has a constructive relationship. I don’t know how or if that will happen, but the world will be a better place because of it, and I live in hope.’
Outro
‘Thank you so much for listening to The History Buff’s series Ukraine Story. It has been such a treat for me to be able to uncover so much about this fascinating and culturally rich country and share it with you all. Starting with the mediaeval Kyivan Rus, that first Eastern Slavic state, and coming all the way up to Ukraine’s present day struggle for survival, we see that Ukraine’s history is a complex interplay of cultural, political, and geopolitical influences, including periods of independence, foreign domination, and ongoing efforts to shape a sovereign identity. Let us hope that one day, Ukraine will be at peace as a thriving democracy.
‘I would like to thank my Ukrainian research partner Rostyslav Pavlyuk. Thank you for all your help. And to all Ukrainians out there, I hope I did a good job bringing your story to light. You’re always in my thoughts. Your courage in the face of relentless adversity, not just today,but throughout the centuries, inspires me and I have faith in your ultimate victory and success. Slava Ukraini!’