Jayla Salter

Historical Context

From 1667 to 1991, most of modern Ukraine was under Russian or Soviet control for 337 years, accounting for 90.76% of the country’s modern history. This long period of foreign governance ended with Ukraine’s declaration of independence in 1991.

December 1, 1991: Ukraine Votes for Independence

On December 1, 1991, a momentous day in Ukrainian history, 90% of the population cast their votes for independence in a nationwide referendum. This overwhelming support for self-governance, a significant departure from the past, was a clear signal of the nation’s desire for change. The referendum, held during a time when the United States, under the influence of Ronald Reagan’s policies, was championing democracy worldwide through the National Endowment for Democracy, was a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s journey toward independence.

Post-Independence and NATO Relations

Following Ukraine’s independence, NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), a military alliance of 32 countries from North America and Europe, assured Russia that it would not expand “one inch eastward” beyond those already part of the alliance to ease Russian concerns about NATO’s influence expanding closer to its borders.

December 20, 1991: Boris Yeltsin and Russia’s Transition

On December 20, 1991, Boris Yeltsin became Russia’s first president and declared Russia a democratic nation following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Yeltsin later expressed interest in joining NATO, but the EU declined. Which led to ongoing tensions between Russia and the West.

1996: Ukraine Drafts New Constitution

In 1996, Ukraine adopted its constitution with assistance from the United States and its allies. This constitution was a significant milestone in Ukraine’s post-independence era, formalizing its commitment to democracy and a market-based economy.

Putin’s Early Cooperation with the US

Vladimir Putin succeeded Yeltsin as president of Russia in 1999. Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Putin was the first world leader to call President George W. Bush to express condolences and support. In November 2001, Putin pledged Russia’s assistance to the U.S. in its fight against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan, marking a brief period of cooperation between the two nations. However, this cooperation was short-lived, and tensions soon resurfaced over various geopolitical issues.

NATO Expansion and Rising Tensions

Despite initial assurances, NATO gradually expanded eastward, incorporating several former Soviet-bloc countries into the alliance. In February 2008, Russia warned the United States that Ukraine and Georgia’s potential NATO membership was a “red line.” At the same time, Ukraine witnessed widespread protests advocating for closer ties with the European Union. Putin believed the United States influenced these protests to create the appearance of public desire for EU alignment.

Russia’s Concerns and Military Response

As Ukraine deepened its ties with Western countries, Russia viewed this shift as threatening its sphere of influence. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea following a disputed referendum. Tensions escalated over the years, leading to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2021.

The Ongoing Conflict

Russia’s 2021 invasion of Ukraine marked the most significant military conflict in Europe since World War II. The invasion occurred because of Russia’s desire to regain control over territories it historically viewed as part of its sphere of influence, citing NATO’s continued expansion as a direct threat to its security.

Additional Context and Perspectives

Experts suggest that NATO’s expansion and Ukraine’s alignment with Western institutions contributed to Russia’s growing concerns. Political analysts have pointed to Putin’s long-standing ambition to restore Russia’s regional dominance as a motivating factor. While Western nations have condemned Russia’s actions, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict continue.

Looking Ahead

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine remains ongoing, with global implications for security, diplomacy, and energy markets. As the situation evolves, questions about NATO’s future role in Eastern Europe and the broader geopolitical balance persist.

References 

Antonenko, O. (2001). Putin’s Gamble. Survival. https://doi.org/10.1080/00396330112331343125

Georgian President Zourabichvili Vows To Stay In Office, Rejecting “Illegitimate” Electoral Process. https://www.naijanews.com/2024/12/28/georgian-president-zourabichvili-vows-to-stay-in-office-rejecting-illegitimate-electoral-process/

Incomplete Family Portrait // Michele Camicia — Institute Artist. https://instituteartist.com/Incomplete-Family-Portrait-Michele-Camicia

Ukrainian Premier Reveals 10 Strategic Priorities for 2025 | NationPress. https://www.nationpress.com/international/ukrainian-premier-reveals-10-strategic-priorities-for-2025