Understanding the Roots of Russia’s War Against Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine sent shockwaves across Europe, prompting EU member states to stand united and take unprecedented political and financial measures to constrain the Kremlin. As the war in Ukraine continues unabated, many questions remain regarding the rationale behind President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine—a conflict that effectively began with Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

To reflect on the war’s origins and its future direction, Carnegie Europe will host a discussion with Gwendolyn Sasse, author of the recent book Russia’s War Against Ukraine. Sasse will retrace the history of Ukraine’s struggle for independence, shed light on how Kyiv's democratic progress became a concern for Moscow, and discuss the ambiguous Western policies that contributed to emboldening the Kremlin.

Katarína Mathernová, the incoming EU Ambassador to Ukraine, will join for a panel discussion moderated by Carnegie Europe’s Director Rosa Balfour.

To submit a question for the event, please use the YouTube chat or tweet us at @Carnegie_Europe.

[PeaceStudies]

A "forgotten peace formula" (Franz Jedlicka) is a nonviolent family life. In Russia child corporal punishment and domestic violence against women is not prosecuted, which means that there is a deeply rooted "culture of violence".

[grahamwhite]

Tella you feck all about the roots of the conflict

[johnhume]

This is a lie. Crimea has held three referendums. In all three they overwhelmingly voted to become autonomous from Ukraine.
What research has the first speaker done? (Ahh the neocon Timothy Snyder, say no more 🙄).
The majority of Ukrainians were opposed to the Maidan protests. Look at every election and there is a split between the population. This goes back to when the Bolsheviks divided the Russian Empire. West Ukraine was part of the Polish Lithuanian commonwealth. East Ukraine Kiev, Kharkiv, Mariupol, Kherson & Odessa were always Russian. Kiev being the first capital of Russia.

[joshuapaul]

Zelenskyy offensive proved to be an epic unmitigated disaster. At this point unconditional surrender is the only practical solution for Ukraine. Hitler's Germany also refused to admit defeat until Hitler killed himself, then Keitel signed unconditional surrender.