Understanding the war in Ukraine

Giovany Comin
#2118512
POLI – 102
Dr. Kelly Sundberg


Understanding the war in Ukraine
The current war in Ukraine has been a highly contentious and protracted conflict that has deeply affected the region and garnered significant international attention. Since its onset in 2014, the conflict has presented complex dynamics, involving internal divisions, geopolitical interests, and the pursuit of national sovereignty.
The origins of the conflict can be traced back to Ukraine's historical, cultural, and political complexities. The book "Politics: An Introduction" argues that Ukraine's historical ties to both Russia and Europe have played a crucial role in shaping the conflict dynamics. Following Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the country faced challenges in establishing a cohesive national identity and consolidating political power. These challenges were further exacerbated by economic struggles, corruption, and regional disparities. Before Russia's recent invasion, but also before the 2013/14 events, Ukraine had rarely been represented as a “European” country (Tkachenko et al., 2021).
One of the key catalysts for the conflict was the Euromaidan movement in 2013-2014, which protested against President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to abandon the proposed Association Agreement with the European Union. This led to widespread protests and eventually resulted in Yanukovych's ousting. However, these events also deepened the divide between the pro-European and pro-Russian factions within Ukraine.
Crimea, an autonomous republic within Ukraine, became a focal point of the conflict. In 2014, following Russia's annexation of Crimea, tensions escalated as pro-Russian separatist movements emerged in eastern Ukrainian regions, such as Donetsk and Luhansk. The Ukrainian government viewed these movements as illegitimate and launched military operations to regain control, leading to a full-blown conflict. According to the Center of Preventive Action (2023) the Russian President Vladimir Putin cited the need to protect the rights of Russian citizens and Russian speakers in Crimea and southeast Ukraine. Russia then formally annexed the peninsula after Crimeans voted to join the Russian Federation in a disputed local referendum. Marta Dyczok (2016) finds that many reports about the 2014 events presented “dramatic”, “sensational” and partly “confused” images, and fewer” delved deeper into the underlying issues, questions, and evidence that might help shed light on the story” (p. 191). Simplistic frames such as that of a new Cold War eventually “led to Ukraine increasingly being represented as an object of a power struggle between Russia and the US/EU, rather than an independent subject of international affairs” (p. 192).
The conflict in Ukraine involves multiple actors with distinct interests. Ukraine, a sovereign state, aims to protect its territorial integrity and assert its independence. The Ukrainian government, along with its military forces, seeks to regain control over the separatist-held regions in the east.
Pro-Russian separatists, backed by Russia, aspire to create independent or Russian-aligned entities within Ukraine. Russia's involvement, seen as an infringement on Ukraine's sovereignty, has caused significant tensions between Russia and Western countries. The Kremlin argues that it has a duty to protect ethnic Russians and Russian speakers in Ukraine, and it perceives NATO expansion as a threat to its security.
The United States and its Western allies have expressed support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and have imposed economic sanctions on Russia in response to its actions. NATO has also increased its presence in Eastern Europe as a deterrent measure.
The conflict in Ukraine has had profound international implications. It has strained Russia's relations with the West, leading to increased tensions, military build-up, and the re-emergence of Cold War rhetoric. The annexation of Crimea has been widely condemned as a violation of international law, particularly the principle of territorial integrity.
The conflict has also resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis. Thousands of lives have been lost, and millions have been displaced, seeking refuge both within Ukraine and in neighboring countries. The region's infrastructure has been severely damaged, and access to basic services, such as healthcare and education, has been disrupted.
Resolving the conflict in Ukraine requires a multi-faceted approach involving diplomatic negotiations, humanitarian aid, and addressing the underlying causes. A potential solution lies in the implementation of the Minsk agreements, which were signed in 2014 and 2015 to establish a ceasefire and a political roadmap for resolving the conflict. However, the full implementation of these agreements has proven challenging, with sporadic violations and a lack of trust between the parties.
International mediation and diplomatic efforts should be intensified to facilitate dialogue and de-escalation. The involvement of neutral mediators, such as the United Nations, could help foster a peaceful resolution and ensure compliance with international norms and agreements.
Additionally, addressing the root causes of the conflict, such as corruption and regional disparities, is crucial for long-term stability. Providing economic aid and support for infrastructure development in affected regions can help alleviate grievances and promote social cohesion.
The current war in Ukraine is a complex struggle for sovereignty that has deepened divisions, caused immense suffering, and strained international relations. Resolving the conflict requires sustained diplomatic efforts, adherence to international law, and a commitment to addressing the underlying causes. By fostering dialogue, promoting humanitarian aid, and seeking inclusive solutions, the international community can contribute to the pursuit of a peaceful resolution and the restoration of stability in Ukraine.