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The Soviets: A Historical Perspective
From 1986 to 1993, I lived in Russia. At first, I was a student. Later, I became a permanent resident. These years shaped my perspective on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Through my experiences, I realized this conflict is mostly a national problem. The Soviet Union’s leadership understood this dynamic. To address it, they promoted a unique solution. They taught this approach in colleges. Their idea was to eliminate national distinctions. No more Ukrainians or Russians—only a new identity: the “Soviets.”
At the time, I believed creating a new identity, the Soviets, was a brilliant idea. It seemed to work well. Then, on March 11, 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. This marked a turning point.
Gorbachev introduced reforms like glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring). These aimed to modernize the Soviet Union. However, the reforms had unexpected effects. They caused economic instability, and political unrest. Communist mafias ended running the country and their opponents physically eliminated.
Nikolai Ryzhkov criticized Gorbachev’s leadership. He claimed Gorbachev lacked the ability and the courage to rebuild the Soviet Union. Meanwhile, Germany tried to help. It supplied millions of tons of goods to support the reforms. Yet, the communist mafia took over this aid and sell it in the black market.
This article will focus on the events and issues that led to Russia’s and Ukraine’s conflict, rather than current developments.
Historical Roots
The Kievan Rus, a union of Slavic and Finno-Ugric peoples, emerged between the 9th and 13th centuries. It laid the foundation for both Russian and Ukrainian identities. This early state was centered in Kyiv and founded by the Varangians (Vikings). Over time, it grew into a major political, cultural, and economic center in Eastern Europe.
The Kievan Rus united various groups under a single authority. In 988, it introduced Christianity, which shaped the region’s spiritual and cultural identity. This legacy became the shared heritage of modern-day Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
However, the Kievan Rus eventually fell. Mongol invasions and internal conflicts led to its collapse. As a result, its territories were divided, giving rise to separate national identities. Today, this shared history still influences historical narratives and tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine’s periods of autonomy and foreign domination
Ukraine’s history alternates between independence and foreign rule. During the 14th and 15th centuries, much of its territory came under Polish and Lithuanian control. Together, they formed the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. This period brought cultural growth but also reduced local authority.
Later, in the 17th century, Ukraine briefly regained independence under the Cossack Hetmanate. However, it soon fell under Russian control through the Treaty of Pereyaslav in 1654. Over the years, the Russian Empire tightened its grip. It suppressed Ukrainian language and culture, further eroding autonomy.
In the 20th century, Ukraine became part of the Soviet Union. It endured harsh policies like forced collectivization and the devastating Holodomor famine. Despite these struggles, Ukraine preserved its sense of national identity. This resilience eventually led to independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Ukraine’s role as a key republic within the Soviet Union
Ukraine was a vital republic within the Soviet Union. It was the second-largest Soviet republic, playing a key role in the USSR’s economy, culture, and military strength. The fertile plains of Ukraine earned it the title of the “breadbasket” of the Soviet Union. They supplied grain and other agricultural goods to the entire bloc.
Moreover, industrial hubs like Donetsk and Dnipro were essential for heavy manufacturing and steel production. In addition, Ukraine housed critical infrastructure, including nuclear power plants. It also contributed significantly to Soviet space and scientific programs.
Despite these accomplishments, Ukraine like other republics endured harsh policies. Forced collectivization and the Holodomor famine caused immense suffering for its people. However, Ukraine’s importance within the Soviet Union shaped its path to independence. In 1991, following the USSR’s collapse, Ukraine emerged as a sovereign nation.
Post-Soviet Independence
Ukraine declares independence in 1991 after the Soviet Union’s collapse
In 1991, Boris Yeltsin announced Russia’s withdrawal from the Soviet Union. This move was part of Gorbachev’s reconstruction efforts. However, it left Gorbachev as a president without a country. As a result, Ukraine took the opportunity to declare its independence.
This marked a turning point in Ukraine’s history. After decades of Soviet rule, Ukraine aimed to establish itself as an independent nation. The announcement followed a national referendum. In this vote, a clear majority of Ukrainians supported independence.
This decision significantly shaped Ukraine’s national identity. It also laid the foundation for Ukraine’s future as a self-governing country on the global stage. It is important to acknowledge that Yeltsin’s actions contributed to Ukraine’s path to independence.
Gorbachev and Yeltsin Rivalry
Ukrainians and Russians share deep historical and cultural ties. Their roots in Kievan Rus, similar traditions, and intertwined histories emphasize their common ground. However, the political events surrounding the Soviet Union’s collapse added significant complexity.
The rivalry between Boris Yeltsin and Mikhail Gorbachev played a key role in the Soviet Union’s downfall. Yeltsin’s push for Russian sovereignty and his opposition to Gorbachev’s central authority weakened the union’s structure. Eventually, Russia’s withdrawal under Yeltsin’s leadership set off a domino effect. This led other republics to declare independence.
While this marked the end of the Soviet Union, it also opened the door for nations like Ukraine to assert their independence. This moment shows how political rivalries and leadership struggles can reshape history. The consequences for the countries involved were profound and far-reaching.
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
As the Soviet Union collapsed, Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine signed the Belovezha Accords on December 8, 1991. This declared that the Soviet Union no longer existed. It also established the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) as a replacement. Later, on December 21, they signed the Alma-Ata Protocol. However, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania chose not to join.
Years later, Georgia left the organization in 2008 after a conflict with Russia. Ukraine took steps to end its involvement in 2014, following Russia’s invasion of Crimea. By 2018, Ukraine officially discontinued its participation in CIS statutory entities.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova responded. It announced plans to gradually disengage from the CIS institutional framework.
NATO and Geopolitical Tensions
Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO has been both challenging and sensitive. Since the early 2000s, Ukraine has aimed to strengthen ties with NATO. This effort gained urgency after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its subsequent actions. However, many obstacles have hindered this goal.
Russia has fiercely opposed Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. It views them as a direct threat to its influence. This resistance has heightened tensions, even sparking conflicts like the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, some NATO countries have shown hesitation. They fear Ukraine’s membership could escalate the conflict with Russia.
Given this, I believe Ukraine should focus on joining the European Union instead. Such a move might still align with its Western aspirations but could be seen as less threatening by Russia.
Conclusion
The history of the Soviet Union illustrates a complex interaction of ideologies, leadership conflicts, and geopolitical pressures. From the formation of a single Soviet identity to the ultimate demise of the Soviet Union, these events have affected the present dynamics between Russia, Ukraine, and surrounding nations. The common legacy of the Kievan Rus reveals profound historical linkages, yet centuries of fluctuating autonomy and foreign influence have driven separate national identities.
Gorbachev’s reforms, competition with Yeltsin, and the dissolution of the USSR paved the way for Ukraine to emerge as an independent country. Ukraine had an important role as a Soviet nation, but its perseverance and desire for autonomy marked its post-Soviet trajectory. The disputes between NATO aspirations and CIS connections highlight the region’s political intricacies.
Finally, we can use the Soviet legacy to better understand the current difficulties and goals of countries like Ukraine. It emphasizes the difficult balance of historical links, national sovereignty, and the greater geopolitical context.
Resources
The History of Ukraine and Russia: From the Imperial Era to the USSR | History Hit
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