in 1939, Stalin thought the Finns would welcome a Soviet invasion, especially the Red Finns who had lost the civil war a few years earlier. However, being Finnish was more important and so you had the reds and the whites coming together against a foreign foe as Finns. Very few collaborated and the Soviet losses were devastating. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.
I don't see any evidence Stalin thought the Finns would welcome a Soviet invasion, he thought he could roll over a smaller nation, and he was wrong. Ukraine is more culturally similar to Russia, but has yearned for true independence for a millenia. It's also a lot harder to defend than the Finland, but the Ukrainians are clearly motivated to win.
After the Finnish civil war it was government policy to distribute land ownership to the reds as well, this meant they had something to lose and therefore something to fight for. Similar thing has happened in Ukraine recently, there is something to fight for and something to lose.
@@MrSpritzmeister I only recently (as in the last decade of my 50+ yrs on this earth) learned about the Finnish civil war. It seemed pretty brutal just like the Russian & American 1s, but there were actual attempts at reconciliation by the winners so it seems.
It is great how she is saying "you will die here," in such a subtle way. Watching as what were claimed to be the most elite units of Russia are being absolutely destroyed is honestly kinda cool in a macabre way. The Russian military has been shown to be a paper tiger and the state of Russia is a joke.
Essentially Russia is now an heir to the Mongol empire, the civilization values (like no respect for human life, rejection of the concept of definite truth- and khan is accepted to be always lying), the military- looting, raping, bloodthirsty, covardly retreating when outnumbered; the system of power. Kremlin is today's Karakorum. Putin himself looks more like a Mongolian than European.
I Left Ukraine as a 7 year old in 2002 - He is right in the sense that Russia and Ukraine are very intertwined, many of my relatives had moved there from Russia. However, Ukraine was always its own entity and constantly fought for its own freedoms throughout history. My mum had always hated Putin 🤣I didn't really ever fully understand why until 2014 and onwards.
@@andreme7326 I am in disbelief at your comment!! Tell you what go read a few history books on Ukraine, maybe go visit also and form an opinion before coming out with such drivel!!
I'm not a fan of the conservatives but I do applaud Stephen Harper for refusing Putin's handshake and telling him to "get out of Crimea" in 2014, long before it was "fashionable"
@@DGE123 How was he uber religious? He was even publically in support of abortion rights. I think you don't know what Harper did or thought, but just slotted him into an "arch-conservative" archetype in your mind.
@@nonnayerbusiness7704 Being that Canada is center left even conservatives have to say they are in support of abortion rights if they want to win an election.
@@nonnayerbusiness7704 Harper never openly supported Abortion. He expressed that it is a legally decided subject . One he would not reopen . No federal government (regardless of party idiology) In Canada, has tried to replace the law , struck down by the supreme Court of Canada . They have just left it in the provincial hands . legal ,but up to provinces health care jurisdiction to regulate it .
To follow Putin's "logic", Ukraine is the parent country. Putin should resign in favor of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia should be handed over to Ukraine, and the capitol should be moved to Kyiv.
Honestly I think that is the better explanation. They say Ukraine is a country without a history, but Russia is the one struggling with a lack of history. The true capital of Russia is in Ukraine, so Russia is incomplete. Ukrainian culture competes with Russian culture. And they don't see themselves as a province that grew out of Ukraine, they view themselves as one of the greatest empires in history.
The US naval blockade on cuba( act of war) is due to the US not accepting Cuba as an independent nation ? Unfortunately the US expanded NATO east and precipitated war.
Another key detail not covered is that Ukraine was acknowledged as a "separate" and "voluntary" country within the USSR - as on paper its constitution allowed for independence any time it wished. The problem was any Ukraine actually working for independence was either arrested or assassinated.
as Ukrainian, I confirm it. After occupation (after WW1) USSR had to refer to Ukraine as a separate country, otherwise they would have faced a huge resistance from Ukrainians. So they act carefully, making a trap for Ukraine. Around 10 years later, they started repressions, prisoning and killing Ukrainian elite, again forbidding Ukrainian language, organized terror-famine Holodomor in 1932-1933 ...horrible and evil times you can't even imagine...over 5 millions people starved to death (nobody counted, if there are real numbers exist they are hidden by Moskowi KGB in secret archives).
And Germany has right to take Italy, since it beat the Romans, conquered its lands in the follow centuries and Italy was part of the HRE lead by German Emperors.
Another interesting historical fact to consider to add to this all: The Cyrillic alphabet used by both Russia and Ukraine, originated in what is now Southern Bulgaria/Northern Greece, commissioned during the First Bulgarian Empire. Our histories are intertwined, sure, but we also have a right to shape our histories going forward. I guess by Putin’s logic, Bulgaria should be annexing all Slavic countries still using Cyrillic today as part of a New Bulgarian Empire, because hey, we gave y’all the gift of writing, which led to your literature, and hence helped shape your cultures. Seems logical to me! (Sarcasm, if it wasn’t evident)
In fact, Cyrillic alphabet was invented for Russia by Greek monks, Kirill and Mithody. Russia culture, language, history, mentality and religion was always connected to Greece, in particular ithose Greek who lived in Black Sea region and Constantinople.
@@MarcGrafZahl Biggest plot twist ever. The fall of the Roman Empire was just a prelude to later take over large swaths of the world because of Latin roots of various languages 😂 Ancient Rome’s Revenge
You're clearly mixing the language and the alphabet. Polish is similar to Russian, yet they chose latin letters to represent sound. Alphabet doesn't metter that much.
Putin isn't just obsessed about Ukraine. It just happened to be the first country on his shopping list, that he thought would be a pushover. Of course, now that it isn't he knows that losing there also means losing power, and possibly his life too. Hence the reason he will never stop of his own free will.
Not the first. That was Chechnya, a country whose he ordered a domestic terrorist attack within Moscow to legitimatize the invasion. Grozny was then leveled to rubble during the second invasion. After that, it was Georgia. So there have been a long history of Putinist aggression. Ukraine is the first to properly stand up to this bully. And the West must learn that our weak stance for the last few decades have been a failed policy towards a terrorist state
The UK is becoming the most racist country on the planet, supporting russophobia and economic unjust. Leading to global crisis and apocalypse. Colonial past......
As a Ukrainian I’m very glad that west now see all those crazy history speculations and other reality that russia build inside it’s own country and society. There is much more things to know about why we are absolutely different people with Russians and why we newer been their allie or part of territory. We always was a forced victim and couldn’t resist without help but now we are not alone. As all other Ukrainians, I’m sure that with our will to fight and you help we will finally break that endless circle of forced « friendships » with them. And look like we are already wining.
Ukrainians have been fuqed over and stepped on throughout history and that's where I think this spartan level thinking and fighting moral is coming from. Enough is enough isn't just a saying... #Slavaukraine!!! Love from the usa!!
Just watched a vid about the elimination of smallpox. The whole idea was begun by a Russian doctor. Except later, they mention he was Ukrainian. Keep seeing that in Russian history, now that I'm sensitive to it. Ukraine has contributed so many great people to history ... no wonder Putin is dead set on claiming it's Russian.
Ukraine fought 13 wars (independence wars) against Tsars Russia and later on Red Army and now Russia again, even tho they never won for the first 12 times, this time with the support of the whole world they will finally achive their dream of complete freedom.
Ukraine has just about everything. Major sea port terminals, flat & rich soil, grain & other stuff. Several nuclear powerplants. Untapped natural gas & oil.
@@elitecoder955now I can understand why the Europeans wanted control of Ukraine that's a lotta dough a lotta EU Politicians can get their hands into that $75 Trillion
@@tonyjay508 The EU is not Russia. They allow their member states to make their own choice and control their resources whilst Russia just straights up invades and steals it for itself.
Something important to know, for all who are interested in history and/or support Ukraine: Rus’ ought not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even punished for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and were forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine, which is a horrible injustice!
That's a very detailed and extensive explanation. Thank you, I learnt something today. Then I have one question, but it's about the name of the Rus, you say the name originates from Greek, but I've heard that it originates from scandinavia, while vikings were the ones sailing the seas and settling in inlets (vig in modern danish is a corner of an inlet), the rus were the rowers that went up the rivers to make settlements (roer in modern danish means rower). Which one is more correct?
Nice run down. Anyone familiar with medieval history knows that Kyiv was the center of the Slavic world for a long time while most of the region east of the Dnipro was overrun with steppe hordes and warring fiefdoms.
This claim to Ukraine and its heritage on the basis of a history-inspired fan fiction is pretty much like either Portugal or Romania proclaiming itself the sole successor to the Roman Empire and claiming Rome (and all of modern Italy, of course) based on that
Israel did it based on a book of myths and the world decided that was all that was needed. Never underestimate the toxicity of this kind of nationalism.
Yeah, and i wonder if anyone has asked those 1 million dead Iraqis about the peaceful intent of Western countries. Of course not: it's ok when we do it.
@@schutsheer_des_vaderlands just say it with me. the people of Ukraine do not want to be ruled by Putin. Not even young Russians want to be ruled by Putin. Nobody wants to be ruled by Putin.
WoW, as a Ukrainian I’m very grateful for enlightening the real! history, the real reasons and problems in this awful war that russia has started. Thank you so much for such quality content
Ukranians are the bravest people on earth! Look at how Russians are so scared of defying their own authorities and barely protest.... While Ukranians are fighting for their lives and freedom against Russian army!! Russia will lose this war! Slava Ukraini!!
Ukraine belongs only to Ukrainians. russia can bomb our country, but we'll rebuild everything. We are rebuilding broken streets, buildings, and power plants right now. Greetings from Kharkiv, Ukraine!
@@goldbullet50 Russia it's a poor state where milions of people have no toilet at home and anything but a super power. Cheap gas station, russian science sucks, russian medicine sucks, gdp sucks, cold war erea is over and Eastern Europe it's not Russia's backyard anymore. Russians seems to be the only one not to get this fact yet, patrzetic state and pathetic paranoid leader who can not stand his tme of glory is over.
@@goldbullet50 Sorry, but Russia is no longer a great power. Great powers are based on financial resources, not colonialism or “sphere of influence”. The US is a great power, not because of it’s military or colonial ambitions or even nukes. It’s because of it’s financial power. That’s what it is wielding against Russia and will bring it’s demise. NATO and the US have no ambitions to take over Russia, which seems to be their biggest fears. US only wants peace, more now than ever. I can’t say the same for Russia who think that imperial ambitions are what makes it great. It does not. The sooner Russia realizes that, the sooner they can turn their focus to build their economic power which has never been realized after the Cold War, as Russia could not stop attacking neighbours.
The logic of "we share the same ethnicity and language therefore we are one country" is not only an overly simplistic one but one that contradicts history in many ways... the Singaporean PM was the one who spoke out against that and you can't help but think that many Asian countries are worried
I still have hope that the Western world will put liberty over comfort and that Putler won't divide us. We need to constantly speak up against the Kremlin regime and support Ukraine. Slava Ukraini !
I hope Ukrainians solve their own problems instead of begging for help around the world. Sometimes you just need to leg go of pride. Give Putin some land and end this senseless war.
I have reduced my gas usage by 90 percent. Now only taking cold showers and not heating my house. Also did away with my car and only use public transport, bikes and walking to get around. No more airplane trips for me as well. Only taking the train to go on holiday. And many others follow this example here in the EU. Overall gas consumption has been reduced the past 6 months by 25 percent. I meet Ukrainian refugees on a daily basis, who stay on a river cruise ship only 100 meters away from my house. Others stay near my step fathers house in a large hotel. I have been collecting toys for Ukrainian kids for months now, and do as much as I can do give aid. So we are doing as much as we can, plus giving up a lot of comfort to defeat this murderous fascist dictator Putin.
@@Neo-Reloaded Insane argument! Just give fascist murderous dictator Putin some land and end the senseless war? First of all this has already been done with Crimea, which was taken by Russia in 2014. Ukraine obviously didn’t agree with that, but didn’t start a war over it. But now evil Putin wants the rest of the country. So what if Ukraine will give ‘some land’, will that stop insane thief dictator Putin? HOW?
As a Ukrainian, let me re-emphasize: we have never been one country, we have never been allies or friends or brotherly nations. It has always been an empire-colony relationship. And it must be stopped. We never wanted and will never want to be w/ ruzzia in any kind of "friendship"or union, in any shape or form. And I am still shocked how the civilised world simply ignored our 44-million people country (like the biggest country in Europe), looked at us only through the moscovia's imperialistic lense, and never looked at us as an independent sovereign state which we fought to be, and let the history be the witness, we fought so hard. Ps. ruzzia loving trolls in the comments, you're какашки.
@@DrLoverLover Imagine how many Ukrainians don't watch foreign channels like this one and can't answer to you. And if you say that his comment is not right, then ask yourself why 99% of all Ukrainians hate russia now?
La historia dice bien claro...Ucrania,Kiev existio primero que Rusia.......nunca los ucranianos han sido de Rusia.......al contrario.......los rusos eran moscovitas.......ni rusos se llamaban....Slava Ucrania Slava Ucrania...el pais mas valiente que se ha conocido,,,,,,Venga tu reino Dios........
There are about four time zones he's in danger of losing out there -- although China operates 62 degrees of longitude on a single time zone. This may be why he recently took time out of his hectic schedule to visit Kazakhstani and China. If he manages to stay in office, he may live to see Moscow's loss of any influence in Mongolia...
We are tired of Putin his time will come, please You should also do one for the invasion of Libya, we want to hear what caused that distraction to a beautiful country and people
The real question in historical justification is determining when history should start. Usually it is when your people are on top. If one really looks at the History of the Ukraine, one learns that that the Ukraine was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which also included large chunks of Belorussia, while Russia was under the thumb of the Golden Horde. Ukraine later became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which at one time occupied Moscow. During this period the borders moved bak and forth depending upon the fortunes of the various neighbors - Russians, swedes, Cossacks, Ottoman Turks, Magyars, etc. Over the course of the late 18th Century Poland/Lithuania and the Ukraine were partitioned between Austria-Hungary, Germany and Russia. In the case of the Ukraine, it was split with Austria Hungary getting the western portion formerly known as Galacia/Ruthenia and Russia taking the Eastern portion. The Crimea was original a titular part of the Ottoman Empire and home to the Tartar remnants of the Golden Horde and routinely pillage by Cossacks from the Zaprorhizia region of the Ukraine. So, who truly owns the Ukraine? Poland? Lithuania? Turkey? The Tartars, The Cossacks? Or, in accordance with the Right to Self-Determination enshrined in the UN Charter, the Ukrainian people?
It makes me happy to know that there are people that read and remember history. Nice condensed version of Ukrainian history. Thank You Mr. Gellatly for sharing.
If Neanderthals were living in Ukraine 100 thousand years ago then I'm willing to go with the slogan "Ukraine (and all of Europe) for the Neanderthals, past, present and in the future forever".
Nice summary, the reality is the Ukrainian constitution is legal under the current UN Charter and international law, so Putin is totaly wrong under International law. Even Kosovo is still illegal under international law, yet he then uses it as justification. Ukrainians don't want a Russian "dream" so are fighting, and 75% want a EU NATO future. 25% prefer independence, but hey, that's democracy
I'm very happy to see that Ukrainians are fighting back and regaining lost territories and what a joy to see Ukrainians with relieve and excitement to greet their liberators. Slava Ukraine and may God bless the army ! 😊🙏
@@raaid85 yes, the counter-offensive of Ukraine - is a tactical victory, I don’t deny it, but a lot of resources, manpower, energy, money and weapons were invested in it, this offensive was planned for several months, but it was planned to capture Kherson and ended with the capture of an insignificant part of the territory, less than 5% of what Russia controls in the east and south of Ukraine. you can call it a flight, you can call it the re-grouping, whatever but I didn’t see any serious evidence of Russia’s huge losses during the retreat.
WELL IT IS FOR PROPAAGNDA PURPOSES SO OFCORSE IT MUST BE BASED IN STORYTELLING AND OMIT ANY KIND OF CONTEXT THAT SHOWS TEH REAL MEANING BEHIND SOME OF THE STATEMENST MADE THAT WEST LOVE SO MUCH TO DISECT,CHERRY PICK AND THEN PRESENT IT IN TEHIR WAY.....
It wasn’t called Kyivan Rus’. I was just Rus’. The former term is a Soviet invention, a misnomer, to separate the history of Rus’ from its origins in Kyiv and make russia the “true” descendants of that state. It’s important to note that the word ‘russian’ was in fact stolen from Ukrainian history, just like russians are looting stuff now from the occupied territories.
@@mariusmihai1292 no my friend. This is an academic term just like “Byzantine Empire”, the people of Rus (or the foreigners) never called their state “Kyivan” Rus, simply Rus
@@thephoenix756 The name Rus have nothing to do with Russia. At that time Rus had a meaning of traveler. Moscowits was name Russians in 1700. So again Rus has nothing o do with Russia. Just because they are alike that does not mean that Rus is Russia. Russia is coming from Rus. But is not Rus. Is like I name myself Mercedes and after that I say I own the company Mercedes. Russia and Ukraine, both are descendants of Kiev Rus. Novgorod after became Russia. But at time of Kiev Rus was Kiev Rus. And Russia did not exist. You mean Belarusians or Lukasenko? Because it’s not the same thing. Belarusians do not sustained that lie. And Russia is not at first try to lie about history. They fooled all Moldavian that they are not Romanians. They fooled all Romanians that Romania did not have a king before they’re invasion. And so on. My country is also a victim of Russia sick genocidal deceiving ways of killing a nation
0:40 The funny part about that is that those guys were called the _Kievan Rus'_ or _Kyivan Rus'_ and when you look at their seals you can clearly see who has the heritage today. So one could argue that there's a stronger argument to be made for Russia to the part of Ukraine than vise versa...
You are wrong, it is not their turn. As you said they already invaded it, next was the turks turn, next germans turn. True, it was kind of short. Or maybe not, if we consider that they exported their ambition over the pond and continued there. And now comes chinese turn, so russians hurried to grab a piece till it is not too late.
My ancestors are not Russians, they are Ukrainians. the ukrainian language only became our identity when putin started to take back the crimea that nikita khrushchev gave back to us in 1954. So it was also clear for the Russian speakers that they were Ukrainians. The situation is different in the Luhansk or Donetsk basin. The language there was 70% Russian and 30% Ukrainian. The so-called rebels who wanted to join Russia are an invention of the Russian secret service and Putin himself. We will not rest until the last place is liberated from Russian conquerors, including Crimea!
I've always found it strange how the Russian speaking population had always lived in peace in Eastern Ukraine up until rebels (LPR and DPR) made a sudden appearance. Definitely sounds like a Kremlin-created group.
there a 2 resins for that: 1) mass deportation of ethnic Ukrainians from Donbas to Siberia and relocation of ethnic Russian to donnas (that is why there crime rates and drinking are higher there compared to the rest of Ukraine) 2) 80-year-long russification during soviet times
Slavia Ukraine 🇺🇦.. The moment the lady told the invader ( here take these seeds so when you die at least a sunflower 🌻 will grow in your place) priceless. Slavia Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥️
The US naval blockade on cuba( act of war) is due to the US not accepting Cuba as an independent nation ? Unfortunately the US expanded NATO east and precipitated war.
In my opinion there has been too much pain inflicted on the eastern regions of Ukraine by the pro-west Ukrainian army, for Ukraine to ever be united in peace and friendship. They asked Europe for help and were ignored. They will continue to want their independence, leaning towards Russia as it was Russia who came to their help, not Europe. Not taking sides here, just stating facts.
That is how I read the situation. And I believe it will also take years for Russia to overcome its loss of standing in the world. The winners in Russia are those that have chosen to keave Russia for a better life.
From the second they started gathering troops I somehow knew ukraine wouldn't fall. It felt so good to see the bravery of the Ukranians during the siege of Kyiv and then seeing russia fail miserably. It's cathartic after waiting 8 years.
@@jimbocho660 hmm…I’m sure that’s it, what other source do we need then you 😂 I feel for you, the walls must be closing in and the world feels like it going away….. I’m just kidding, I don’t feel for you 😂
Saddam Hussein also decribed Kuwait as part of Iraq. Even in the USSR times, no one described Ukraine as historically Russian lands. That is the reality only in the sick imagination of a madman. And the Kuril Islands taken from Japan are also historically Russia lands. As in by occupation. Anyway, Ukraine is showing with Himars how historically Russian that land is. Actually, with so many dead Russians buried there, it is actually becoming a historically Russian land. They are history now.
Actually Saddam Hussein's claim to Kuwait had a lot more validity than Putins claim to Ukraine.The division of the former Ottoman empire was an 'artificial' creation of the British and French following the end of World War 1 - and this is especially true of Kuwait which should have been made part of Iraq
Central and South America like it or not are USA dominions the world un fact - - wars are also fought economically, financially toppling GOV's, and sanctions something usa does very well
I love learning and that question of "Has Putin gone mad or is it a case that's he's acting rationally within his own warped parameters, his own fictitious reality?" really gets you thinking. I believe that we'll never know the truth of what he actually believes in his head, but one thing we do know is that either of those, makes him an incredibly volatile, dangerous man.
Ukraine has tons of arable land, newly discovered gas reserves and direct access to the black sea, among other things. Though the gas reserves are the main problem since they allow Ukraine to compete with Russian gas providers.
well, don't forget about Belarus (a russian puppet now), Georgia (annexation of Osetia and Abkhazia), Ichkeria(occupation), Kazakhstan (pollitical pressure and Russification).
It has nothing to do with romance or history - its just because most of Russia is landlocked/icelocked and the only sea access it has is to go through EU waters. He wants access to Crimea waters and he wants to block Kazakhstan from free flow to Europe without Russia's say-so and that it will be the only country that can supply gas/oil to Europe
Well, I’m a naval officer but personally speaking, as useful as sea access always is and as salient as your point is, I thought it was more about absorbing Ukraine’s domestic wheat, oil and gas production to Russia’s own, overtaking India as the second largest wheat exporter in the world, and then flogging all that wheat and oil and gas to China’s expanding population throughout the twenty first century? The real test of the axis of global power is whether a Russian/Chinese bloc pushes America and Europe around, and so far it seems like they’ve moved far too early and without any real staying power to test the global hegemony. For Taiwan, switch wheat for semiconductors.
@@georgemorley1029 I think China's population is forecasted to fall this century. They definitely have their own issues but I think Xi has backed the wrong horse. Strategically I also think there are untapped oil fields in the black sea.
I was just wondering why the UK is so obsessed with Crimea? At this point it’s pathological. Russia and Ukraine I understand, the history and geography makes it a sensitive area but Crimea and UK???? It’s bonkers
Shame so many people will die on both sides for the sake of one persons actions. When all authority is placed in the hands of one person, tyranny is what you get. It never ceases to amaze me how any country thinks it a good idea for that level of power to be invested in one person without any checks and balances. I guess that's what you get in totalitarian / dictatorship run societies. The one other country to watch is China who are administered in a similar way. I imagine China have been watching this very closely, particularly with there stated interest in Taiwan. Not so different from Putins view of Ukraine as belonging to Russia.
You can’t just declare regions of another country “independent nations.” Like imagine if the US declared British Columbia an independent nation and then just invaded Canada.
@@Waverlyduli I don't think you understood the comment. They were saying that Russia can't just declare Donetsk and Luhansk independent states and then invade Ukraine.
it wasn't, history been rewritten, so people would think exactly what you saying . Kyivan Rus didn't exist its like saying Romanian Italy, Parisian France. No one calls countries like that. Plus location of Kiev wasn't in appropriate location for capital. Russia was Tartaria before and was as one civilization around planet. No borders, just unity and no conflicts. Very advanced civilization. That is why so many similar historical amazing architecture exist around the world.
It is indeed strange that a nation can allow such a man to rise in power and stay in power for 24 years, and still don't fight it. Ukrainians aren't the same people. They fight.
Worked overnights at an assisted living facility years ago. There was an elderly man who raised his walker over his head and shook it at me in rage because he was helping 2 other gentlemen steal all the fresh cookies I'd baked that were cooling on the counter for the next day's dessert menu. In that moment, his eyes flashed like he was about something far more serious than cookies. TLDR: replace the walker with nukes, is how I see Putin these days.
The greatest illusion one can cast upon oneself is to think everyone is on one's side. However, for the sake of expansionism, this is a win for the Western powers who otherwise would not have to compete with a far more capable neo-Soviet revival than in the century previous. Ukraine could easily retake all of the territory it lost earlier this year, but not without external ammunition provided to it by the Western powers beyond its borders. Do you see now the issue? It is a permanent failed state until a true redrawing of the map. Putin would just keep beating down the door, even if Ukraine joins NATO. NATO does not have the gall to strike back--it would mean Ukraine is worth WORLD WAR. It most certainly is not, *нет* ?
@@vif3182 Perhaps the activities in Ukraine are not worth starting WW3, but should Putin step over any border with NATO, whether deliberately or accidentally, I believe NATO would respond. I remember back near the beginning of the war when one missile landed "only" 30km from the Polish border. That made news because of it's proximity to the West, and I think Putin noticed, and then concentrated on targets further East. I do think however he really relishes a fight with the West, but I bet now he's rethinking anything so audacious.
@@Roberteetea something interesting happening in this boring modern existence at least. Maybe Taiwan will get attacked, should be fascinating to see that on the news.
Excellent brief look at how we got where we are. Moldova and the Baltic states were next, then Belarus would also cease to exist, but was less urgent as it was already occupied. I think what was missed out was his 'Thesis' was just an attempt at intellectual justification for invasion, he needed to carry his political cronies with him. He wanted to steal the great natural wealth in Ukraine, especially the vast food production in Ukraine. Between Russia and Ukraine Putin could blackmail the world with the threat of starvation and energy supplies, that was the real agenda, with Ukraine and Belarus the Russian federation would be a true superpower again........
The Russian defence minister was the only one who really was wise as to what a disaster the invasion would be .. but fear kept him from saying what he wanted to... he looked traumatized, by the appalling idea of the special military operation and the consequences, more even than by having to lie to Putin. I'm sure he knew very well what the Ukranians response would be and how they had been preparing themselves for such an attack by Russia. But any such truths would have fallen on deaf ears.. I'd say he's now sorry that he didn't object and resign instead and not been a part of it.
for Putin, Ukraine is like their best ex-GF that they kept failing to move on, back to the Soviet era. for Ukraine, Russia is the most abusive ex-BF that they hate at all.
Why dont they make such reporting on US and Nato atrocités? The world is tired of sélective empathy that suits certain agendas! Lets arm Palestinians then since they have endured war crimes for decades?
Thank you The Guardian for this detailed video explanation and all the support coming from other countries! I suggest The Guardian to make a video about why Ukrainians and Russians are so different in some ways or how many times Russia has tried to erase Ukrainian culture and language- there are many interesting facts in these topics which could help to understand more why Ukrainians are so warlike)
How will pointing out differences in cultures help achieve something positive? You don't feel that there is enough hate between Ukrainians and Russians now?
@@MichaelNickolai the goal is not to spread negativity between 2 countries but to share with people from other countries some historical background so they could understand some reasons and consequences of this war better. Understanding leads to a clearer communication which leads to a faster solution.
I'm Russian and I dont care about Ukraine. You can have your culture and whatever you want but you cant, because you so hard try to lick as** of west. First try to be independent from EVERYONE at least. Then say stuff about your f*cking glory.
in 1939, Stalin thought the Finns would welcome a Soviet invasion, especially the Red Finns who had lost the civil war a few years earlier. However, being Finnish was more important and so you had the reds and the whites coming together against a foreign foe as Finns. Very few collaborated and the Soviet losses were devastating. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.
I don't see any evidence Stalin thought the Finns would welcome a Soviet invasion, he thought he could roll over a smaller nation, and he was wrong. Ukraine is more culturally similar to Russia, but has yearned for true independence for a millenia. It's also a lot harder to defend than the Finland, but the Ukrainians are clearly motivated to win.
@@lindsman682 you're wrong. It's very well documented Stalin told the troops they would be welcomed with open arms by the Finn's
@@SerenityMae11 very well documented, don’t say things when you don’t have a source clown
After the Finnish civil war it was government policy to distribute land ownership to the reds as well, this meant they had something to lose and therefore something to fight for. Similar thing has happened in Ukraine recently, there is something to fight for and something to lose.
@@MrSpritzmeister I only recently (as in the last decade of my 50+ yrs on this earth) learned about the Finnish civil war. It seemed pretty brutal just like the Russian & American 1s, but there were actual attempts at reconciliation by the winners so it seems.
“Put these seeds in your pocket so at least sunflowers will grow where you lie” just gave me chills
Yep, that was pretty rough. Brilliant and brutal.
Granny probably turn into sunflower seeds.... Rest in peace old lady
I wonder if it's the same old woman who gave poisoned soup to ruSSians who thought they were welcome in Ukraine.
It is great how she is saying "you will die here," in such a subtle way.
Watching as what were claimed to be the most elite units of Russia are being absolutely destroyed is honestly kinda cool in a macabre way. The Russian military has been shown to be a paper tiger and the state of Russia is a joke.
@Nick Naylor you meant like those soldiers in Iraq
Hey Vlad, you should make Russia a province of Mongolia if you want to repeat the history again.
Moomin Papa of Tove Janson?
It's best to ask President Putin what he wants rather than relying on the mindless Western media.
@@danutahanyga4834 what he wants and what he gets are two different things. He will go down in history as, Sputin the Brainless.
Essentially Russia is now an heir to the Mongol empire, the civilization values (like no respect for human life, rejection of the concept of definite truth- and khan is accepted to be always lying), the military- looting, raping, bloodthirsty, covardly retreating when outnumbered; the system of power. Kremlin is today's Karakorum. Putin himself looks more like a Mongolian than European.
@@danutahanyga4834 Little putin has told us what he wants in his speeches Ivan.
That’s were it’s going with land lost along the Black Sea Russia will become more isolated in trade Putin has painted himself into a corner
Whether Ukraine was part of Russia or not is irrelevant. They obviously don’t want anything to do with Russia today, or they wouldn’t be fighting.
I Left Ukraine as a 7 year old in 2002 - He is right in the sense that Russia and Ukraine are very intertwined, many of my relatives had moved there from Russia. However, Ukraine was always its own entity and constantly fought for its own freedoms throughout history. My mum had always hated Putin 🤣I didn't really ever fully understand why until 2014 and onwards.
What is not to hate about Russia and Putin?
@@mariusmihai1292 if they actually kept their word, they wouldnt be a threat to ukraine or its people. But hes always looking for a fight....
@@RezzpektMVP who?
@@mariusmihai1292 Putin
@@andreme7326 I am in disbelief at your comment!! Tell you what go read a few history books on Ukraine, maybe go visit also and form an opinion before coming out with such drivel!!
I'm not a fan of the conservatives but I do applaud Stephen Harper for refusing Putin's handshake and telling him to "get out of Crimea" in 2014, long before it was "fashionable"
Possibly the only positive thing that guy ever did. ironically Harper is himself very authoritarian and uber religious,,maybe he was jealous?
@@DGE123 How was he uber religious? He was even publically in support of abortion rights. I think you don't know what Harper did or thought, but just slotted him into an "arch-conservative" archetype in your mind.
@@nonnayerbusiness7704 Being that Canada is center left even conservatives have to say they are in support of abortion rights if they want to win an election.
and now all the conservatives support putin.
@@nonnayerbusiness7704
Harper never openly supported
Abortion.
He expressed that it is a legally decided subject .
One he would not reopen .
No federal government (regardless of party idiology)
In Canada, has tried to replace the law , struck down by the supreme Court of Canada .
They have just left it in the provincial hands .
legal ,but up to provinces health care jurisdiction to regulate it .
I am Ukrainian , seeing first days of war brought all this memories and made me cry . Thank you for coverage
GLORY TO YOUR COUNTRY 🇺🇦💙💛
glory to Ukraine. 🌻
Prayers 🙏usa 🇺🇸 stay safe
Говоришь по русски?
Ты выжил обстрел?
@@markkane8261 speak ukrainian? Ukraine owns russia
As long as his last scene does not include a Nuke, If so it will be everyone's last scene.
To follow Putin's "logic", Ukraine is the parent country. Putin should resign in favor of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia should be handed over to Ukraine, and the capitol should be moved to Kyiv.
Putin is a crazy maniac lol he doesn't have logic
Exactly. Sounds like Ukraine has more right to Russia than Russia to Ukraine
I don't think Ukraine wants responsibility for 140 million Russians.
Honestly I think that is the better explanation. They say Ukraine is a country without a history, but Russia is the one struggling with a lack of history.
The true capital of Russia is in Ukraine, so Russia is incomplete. Ukrainian culture competes with Russian culture.
And they don't see themselves as a province that grew out of Ukraine, they view themselves as one of the greatest empires in history.
@@DarkRoomAmbience
EXACTLY !
Now you have learn which truth britons teach.
BTW
You really think guardian do not lie.
"At least put these seeds in your pockets so that sunflowers will grow where you lie."
That's raw.
You can't just occupy a country because your ancestors lived there 2000 years ago
Are you referring to Israel?
@@winstonsmith-ministryoftru1609 Blame that one on the Brits. How about we shift the focus a bit away from the oil fields and more towards the east?
Israel sweats nervously !
Bro, the soviet union broke apart 30 years ago.
You can occupy a country with power.
All of these innocent people are dying because one man can't accept the idea of an independent ukraine
The US naval blockade on cuba( act of war) is due to the US not accepting Cuba as an independent nation ? Unfortunately the US expanded NATO east and precipitated war.
Sure let’s ignore that NATO wants the wealth of the richest country in Europe in terms of resources.
Another key detail not covered is that Ukraine was acknowledged as a "separate" and "voluntary" country within the USSR - as on paper its constitution allowed for independence any time it wished. The problem was any Ukraine actually working for independence was either arrested or assassinated.
Olease DO NOT LIE HERE.
You do not know!
@@tokyo.peking The only ones lying are those supporting the Kremlin.
as Ukrainian, I confirm it. After occupation (after WW1) USSR had to refer to Ukraine as a separate country, otherwise they would have faced a huge resistance from Ukrainians. So they act carefully, making a trap for Ukraine. Around 10 years later, they started repressions, prisoning and killing Ukrainian elite, again forbidding Ukrainian language, organized terror-famine Holodomor in 1932-1933 ...horrible and evil times you can't even imagine...over 5 millions people starved to death (nobody counted, if there are real numbers exist they are hidden by Moskowi KGB in secret archives).
@@my-curiosity
Oh...cmmon...do not LIE.
THEY PRACTICALLY MAKD UKRAINA FROM OTHER STATES PARTS.
Where was that ukrain before comunists ?
@@my-curiosity
Ah yes, holodomor....
DID ANYWHERE IN CCCP ALSO PPL DIE BECAUSE OF HUNGER OR OOOONLY IN UKRAINA ?
Seeing toddlers being carried in active war zones is some of the most terrible imagery I could ever imagine
As per what meaning?
Seeing rifles inside a religious citadel is also quite terrible imagery... (2:38)
In a place like 21st century Europe. It's chilling and scary
@@linobiavaschi9157 meaning the heartlessness of the Stalin Putin way of treating people like robots with no mind
you never seen Palestine?
I guess by Putin’s logic then Italy has a right to take over all of France, Spain, North Africa and England because the Roman Empire owned all of it…
And Germany has right to take Italy, since it beat the Romans, conquered its lands in the follow centuries and Italy was part of the HRE lead by German Emperors.
And Greece has the right to take Afghanistan
Actually all of that was the polish Lithuanian common wealth. Sounds like it should all go to Poland.
@@moritamikamikara3879 Ottomans: Hold my beer.
Exactly! Also, with Pootin's logic, then Rusia is also part of Monglia coz Mongols as Most 99% Russia may be descendents of the Khannate.. 😆😆
Thanks!
Another interesting historical fact to consider to add to this all: The Cyrillic alphabet used by both Russia and Ukraine, originated in what is now Southern Bulgaria/Northern Greece, commissioned during the First Bulgarian Empire. Our histories are intertwined, sure, but we also have a right to shape our histories going forward.
I guess by Putin’s logic, Bulgaria should be annexing all Slavic countries still using Cyrillic today as part of a New Bulgarian Empire, because hey, we gave y’all the gift of writing, which led to your literature, and hence helped shape your cultures. Seems logical to me! (Sarcasm, if it wasn’t evident)
Thanks.
Now I understand Putin's flawed logic.
Oh, and all countries using the Latín alphabet are actually Italian property? 😱
In fact, Cyrillic alphabet was invented for Russia by Greek monks, Kirill and Mithody. Russia culture, language, history, mentality and religion was always connected to Greece, in particular ithose Greek who lived in Black Sea region and Constantinople.
@@MarcGrafZahl Biggest plot twist ever. The fall of the Roman Empire was just a prelude to later take over large swaths of the world because of Latin roots of various languages 😂 Ancient Rome’s Revenge
You're clearly mixing the language and the alphabet. Polish is similar to Russian, yet they chose latin letters to represent sound. Alphabet doesn't metter that much.
Putin isn't just obsessed about Ukraine. It just happened to be the first country on his shopping list, that he thought would be a pushover. Of course, now that it isn't he knows that losing there also means losing power, and possibly his life too. Hence the reason he will never stop of his own free will.
Exactly. He thought it would be like Hitler and Austria.
Not the first. That was Chechnya, a country whose he ordered a domestic terrorist attack within Moscow to legitimatize the invasion. Grozny was then leveled to rubble during the second invasion. After that, it was Georgia. So there have been a long history of Putinist aggression. Ukraine is the first to properly stand up to this bully. And the West must learn that our weak stance for the last few decades have been a failed policy towards a terrorist state
Why should he think it would be a pushover after the Maidan uprisings!
@@patriark Exactly, western politicians have immersed themselves in shameful cowardice and appeasement.
Slava Ukraine, freedom or death.
The UK is becoming the most racist country on the planet, supporting russophobia and economic unjust. Leading to global crisis and apocalypse. Colonial past......
As a Ukrainian I’m very glad that west now see all those crazy history speculations and other reality that russia build inside it’s own country and society. There is much more things to know about why we are absolutely different people with Russians and why we newer been their allie or part of territory. We always was a forced victim and couldn’t resist without help but now we are not alone. As all other Ukrainians, I’m sure that with our will to fight and you help we will finally break that endless circle of forced « friendships » with them. And look like we are already wining.
Ukrainians have been fuqed over and stepped on throughout history and that's where I think this spartan level thinking and fighting moral is coming from. Enough is enough isn't just a saying... #Slavaukraine!!! Love from the usa!!
May victory yours very very soon. 💞💙💛💙💛🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦fr PH🇵🇭
Just watched a vid about the elimination of smallpox. The whole idea was begun by a Russian doctor. Except later, they mention he was Ukrainian. Keep seeing that in Russian history, now that I'm sensitive to it. Ukraine has contributed so many great people to history ... no wonder Putin is dead set on claiming it's Russian.
Slava Ukraini🇺🇸❤️🇺🇦
Thanks everyone for your support! Hope after victory you will visit our beautiful cities to enjoy architecture and our cuisine😉
Why US was so obsessed with Wietnam,Syria,Cuba,Nicaragua,Lybia,Syria,Iraque and other countries???
Why do we subconsciously try to defend russia when what theyre doing is objectively wrong?
nuclear threat
Vladimir Putin is a lunatic . I admire the Ukrainian citizens fighting for their country🙏 .
He’s also an idiot.
Ukraine fought 13 wars (independence wars) against Tsars Russia and later on Red Army and now Russia again, even tho they never won for the first 12 times, this time with the support of the whole world they will finally achive their dream of complete freedom.
…and he’s not alone in the russian nation to be a lunatic
If Putin is a lunatic, I wonder what you are, takes one to know one.
@@goldenaye3 they're guardian readers. Try not to take those with single digit iq's too seriously.
Ukraine has just about everything.
Major sea port terminals, flat & rich soil, grain & other stuff. Several nuclear powerplants. Untapped natural gas & oil.
The total worth of natural gas , coal and other non renewable resources in Russia is valued at 75 trillion dollars
@@elitecoder955now I can understand why the Europeans wanted control of Ukraine
that's a lotta dough a lotta EU Politicians can get their hands into that $75 Trillion
@@tonyjay508 it belongs to the Ukrainian people and no one else
@@tonyjay508 The EU is not Russia. They allow their member states to make their own choice and control their resources whilst Russia just straights up invades and steals it for itself.
@@leonardgmiller8924 we are talking about Russia
Something important to know, for all who are interested in history and/or support Ukraine:
Rus’ ought not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’.
Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise.
Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus')
Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even punished for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and were forced to call themselves “Russian”.
Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’.
In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership.
“Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village.
Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine, which is a horrible injustice!
That's a very detailed and extensive explanation. Thank you, I learnt something today.
Then I have one question, but it's about the name of the Rus, you say the name originates from Greek, but I've heard that it originates from scandinavia, while vikings were the ones sailing the seas and settling in inlets (vig in modern danish is a corner of an inlet), the rus were the rowers that went up the rivers to make settlements (roer in modern danish means rower). Which one is more correct?
Yes, by Putins own theory Russia should be part of Ukraine and not the other way round.
Nice run down. Anyone familiar with medieval history knows that Kyiv was the center of the Slavic world for a long time while most of the region east of the Dnipro was overrun with steppe hordes and warring fiefdoms.
How the name "Ukraine" originates then, if you're saying that it was Rus'?
@@orbitfold From now on I'll call Russia Eastern Ukraine
Great bit of work I live the comparisons you draw which make it so much more simple to understand
This claim to Ukraine and its heritage on the basis of a history-inspired fan fiction is pretty much like either Portugal or Romania proclaiming itself the sole successor to the Roman Empire and claiming Rome (and all of modern Italy, of course) based on that
Israel did it based on a book of myths and the world decided that was all that was needed. Never underestimate the toxicity of this kind of nationalism.
That is what exactly Muscovy did with "Rus" identity.
Because there is only one ethnic and cultural Rus - Ukraine.
@@stefanfreestylez oh yeah, trust me I know how it is to dare to question one of the Big Three™ in any way 😂
Search . ' Why is Ukraine the West's Fault . ''
Same goes to China.
I recall a failed painter using the same phrase "historycal land" "restore our nations territory" . Things didnt go well for him.
I can't wait till Putin gets the 9 mm treatment. At that point Russia will have failed two times in my lifetime.
*groan*
Painter didn't had nukes , in today's world 7-8 countries are nuclear power , what do u what destruction of earth ?
As a former 2 year old,
I feel the man's pain.
🤣
Great one😂👍
Snarky. 😅
underrated comment!
Cry more.
Well, that's one version of history. The truth is never buried deep.
Seriously...? "We are one people"... And if you don't like it, I will destroy you all?
Based on the fighting, Ukrainians and Russians are NOT the same.
Is not important what he wants, Important is what people wants!! It’s just a sick ambition if one man
Yeah, and i wonder if anyone has asked those 1 million dead Iraqis about the peaceful intent of Western countries. Of course not: it's ok when we do it.
Ego maniacs roll that way.
Putin thinks he was born special when he's just a regular human, just like any of us 😐
So what do you think the people of the Donbass want? Oh wait, that doesn't matter. Hypocrite.
@@schutsheer_des_vaderlands just say it with me. the people of Ukraine do not want to be ruled by Putin. Not even young Russians want to be ruled by Putin. Nobody wants to be ruled by Putin.
WoW, as a Ukrainian I’m very grateful for enlightening the real! history, the real reasons and problems in this awful war that russia has started. Thank you so much for such quality content
Ukranians are the bravest people on earth! Look at how Russians are so scared of defying their own authorities and barely protest.... While Ukranians are fighting for their lives and freedom against Russian army!! Russia will lose this war! Slava Ukraini!!
Glory to Ukraine =)
🇺🇦 🇺🇦 🌻 🇺🇦 🇺🇦
Ukraine is 👑
@@thegeekviking5427 brave lol
if you are curious about real history, they you might want to look up Scott Ritter's "russia is on the right side of the history" video
That elderly Ukrainian woman at 8:55 is a legend. The Russian soldiers should have listened to her.
Now he is thinking: "If I can't get Ukraine no one else will"
I'm scared that he'll nuke the country...
Ukraine belongs only to Ukrainians. russia can bomb our country, but we'll rebuild everything. We are rebuilding broken streets, buildings, and power plants right now. Greetings from Kharkiv, Ukraine!
Ex boyfriend syndrome...
@@twilightprince4833 Russia is losing so there is high chance for nukes to fly.
If those he orders will push the button that is...
Putin is like an abusieve ex husband that cant take it that his partner left him because it wanted a better life.
And he blames his ex wife for calling the police.
No, Putin is a head of state of a great power that is concerned when the sphere of influence of their enemy expands closer and close to their borders.
@@goldbullet50 he don't give a shit about Finland joining NATO though...
@@goldbullet50 Russia it's a poor state where milions of people have no toilet at home and anything but a super power. Cheap gas station, russian science sucks, russian medicine sucks, gdp sucks, cold war erea is over and Eastern Europe it's not Russia's backyard anymore. Russians seems to be the only one not to get this fact yet, patrzetic state and pathetic paranoid leader who can not stand his tme of glory is over.
@@goldbullet50 Sorry, but Russia is no longer a great power. Great powers are based on financial resources, not colonialism or “sphere of influence”. The US is a great power, not because of it’s military or colonial ambitions or even nukes. It’s because of it’s financial power. That’s what it is wielding against Russia and will bring it’s demise. NATO and the US have no ambitions to take over Russia, which seems to be their biggest fears. US only wants peace, more now than ever. I can’t say the same for Russia who think that imperial ambitions are what makes it great. It does not. The sooner Russia realizes that, the sooner they can turn their focus to build their economic power which has never been realized after the Cold War, as Russia could not stop attacking neighbours.
The logic of "we share the same ethnicity and language therefore we are one country" is not only an overly simplistic one but one that contradicts history in many ways... the Singaporean PM was the one who spoke out against that and you can't help but think that many Asian countries are worried
Ukraine was artificially invented. It's not a real country.
@@NorthPoleSun The United States was artificially created, it seems pretty real to me.
@@NorthPoleSunukraine is the kievan rus!!
7:50 This minister actually messes up a moment before this and says he supports the annexation of Luhansk and Donetsk. It's pretty incredible
That winter was on fire.. Glory to the Heros.. Rest in peace Serhiy 🇺🇦🇺🇦
I still have hope that the Western world will put liberty over comfort and that Putler won't divide us. We need to constantly speak up against the Kremlin regime and support Ukraine. Slava Ukraini !
I hope Ukrainians solve their own problems instead of begging for help around the world. Sometimes you just need to leg go of pride. Give Putin some land and end this senseless war.
I have reduced my gas usage by 90 percent. Now only taking cold showers and not heating my house. Also did away with my car and only use public transport, bikes and walking to get around. No more airplane trips for me as well. Only taking the train to go on holiday.
And many others follow this example here in the EU. Overall gas consumption has been reduced the past 6 months by 25 percent. I meet Ukrainian refugees on a daily basis, who stay on a river cruise ship only 100 meters away from my house. Others stay near my step fathers house in a large hotel.
I have been collecting toys for Ukrainian kids for months now, and do as much as I can do give aid. So we are doing as much as we can, plus giving up a lot of comfort to defeat this murderous fascist dictator Putin.
@@Neo-Reloaded Insane argument! Just give fascist murderous dictator Putin some land and end the senseless war? First of all this has already been done with Crimea, which was taken by Russia in 2014. Ukraine obviously didn’t agree with that, but didn’t start a war over it. But now evil Putin wants the rest of the country.
So what if Ukraine will give ‘some land’, will that stop insane thief dictator Putin? HOW?
@@Neo-Reloaded You use MAFFIA LOGIC! If you give me your profits I will stop harassing you! If you give me your land I will stop the war I started!
@@Neo-Reloaded i think i saw something like this happen before, would you like to ask the czechs about it?
He's more obsessed with not finishing what he started, this is not going to end well for everyone
Freedom to Ukraine from Bosnia 💛💙
I hope also peace and harmony for Bosnia too. I was in Medugorje and Mostar, beautiful cities
Bosnia invaded Ukraine? haha just kidding
I hope you folks can acheive peace and get the justice you truly deserve. I truly care for Bosnia 💛💙🇧🇦
As a Ukrainian, let me re-emphasize: we have never been one country, we have never been allies or friends or brotherly nations. It has always been an empire-colony relationship. And it must be stopped.
We never wanted and will never want to be w/ ruzzia in any kind of "friendship"or union, in any shape or form.
And I am still shocked how the civilised world simply ignored our 44-million people country (like the biggest country in Europe), looked at us only through the moscovia's imperialistic lense, and never looked at us as an independent sovereign state which we fought to be, and let the history be the witness, we fought so hard.
Ps. ruzzia loving trolls in the comments, you're какашки.
As one ukrainan you dont speak for everyone
@@DrLoverLover :Excellent answer.
@@DrLoverLover Imagine how many Ukrainians don't watch foreign channels like this one and can't answer to you. And if you say that his comment is not right, then ask yourself why 99% of all Ukrainians hate russia now?
The Soviet Union was a country . Ukraine has made a mistake , they shouldn’t betray your old ally , by deciding to want to join NATO .
La historia dice bien claro...Ucrania,Kiev existio primero que Rusia.......nunca los ucranianos han sido de Rusia.......al contrario.......los rusos eran moscovitas.......ni rusos se llamaban....Slava Ucrania Slava Ucrania...el pais mas valiente que se ha conocido,,,,,,Venga tu reino Dios........
The poor guy hasn’t picked up a new time zone in such a long time…
There are about four time zones he's in danger of losing out there -- although China operates 62 degrees of longitude on a single time zone. This may be why he recently took time out of his hectic schedule to visit Kazakhstani and China.
If he manages to stay in office, he may live to see Moscow's loss of any influence in Mongolia...
Prince Andrew and Tony Blair loves this comment
We are tired of Putin his time will come, please You should also do one for the invasion of Libya, we want to hear what caused that distraction to a beautiful country and people
The real question in historical justification is determining when history should start. Usually it is when your people are on top. If one really looks at the History of the Ukraine, one learns that that the Ukraine was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which also included large chunks of Belorussia, while Russia was under the thumb of the Golden Horde. Ukraine later became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which at one time occupied Moscow. During this period the borders moved bak and forth depending upon the fortunes of the various neighbors - Russians, swedes, Cossacks, Ottoman Turks, Magyars, etc. Over the course of the late 18th Century Poland/Lithuania and the Ukraine were partitioned between Austria-Hungary, Germany and Russia. In the case of the Ukraine, it was split with Austria Hungary getting the western portion formerly known as Galacia/Ruthenia and Russia taking the Eastern portion. The Crimea was original a titular part of the Ottoman Empire and home to the Tartar remnants of the Golden Horde and routinely pillage by Cossacks from the Zaprorhizia region of the Ukraine. So, who truly owns the Ukraine? Poland? Lithuania? Turkey? The Tartars, The Cossacks? Or, in accordance with the Right to Self-Determination enshrined in the UN Charter, the Ukrainian people?
It makes me happy to know that there are people that read and remember history. Nice condensed version of Ukrainian history. Thank You Mr. Gellatly for sharing.
Cossack didn't look at themselves as somethings different from the Russians in this time
If Neanderthals were living in Ukraine 100 thousand years ago then
I'm willing to go with the slogan
"Ukraine (and all of Europe) for the Neanderthals, past, present and in the future forever".
So Russia should become a province of Mongolia, right?
Nice summary, the reality is the Ukrainian constitution is legal under the current UN Charter and international law, so Putin is totaly wrong under International law. Even Kosovo is still illegal under international law, yet he then uses it as justification. Ukrainians don't want a Russian "dream" so are fighting, and 75% want a EU NATO future. 25% prefer independence, but hey, that's democracy
The real question is, why Russia is so obsessed to Putin?
you've clearly not been paying attention to the state collapsing for the last week..
Chechen war and economic development up until 2014
Russia respects order.
Russian people has never lived under democratic regime. They don't know what taking responsibility means, they're afraid of it
They prefer living in a run down jail with little economic opportunity. Ask the Tsarina: Russians love the whip!
I'm very happy to see that Ukrainians are fighting back and regaining lost territories and what a joy to see Ukrainians with relieve and excitement to greet their liberators. Slava Ukraine and may God bless the army ! 😊🙏
Happy as well, I almost gave up hope for my ancestral land! Go, Ukraine, go! 💙💛💙💛💙
@@aidasmatulaitis5175 exactly. Russia will win.
Warmongers
how did ukrainians figbt back? lol the soldiers were speaking southern american accent. this is a war of aggression by nato
@@raaid85 yes, the counter-offensive of Ukraine - is a tactical victory, I don’t deny it, but a lot of resources, manpower, energy, money and weapons were invested in it, this offensive was planned for several months, but it was planned to capture Kherson and ended with the capture of an insignificant part of the territory, less than 5% of what Russia controls in the east and south of Ukraine. you can call it a flight, you can call it the re-grouping, whatever but I didn’t see any serious evidence of Russia’s huge losses during the retreat.
I'm sorry, but this video doesn't explain Putin's obsession with Ukraine? Because of history? I doubt it.
Putin's time is closed in 2008 "constitutional", for stay to president unconstitutional time he is started war in Georgia and Ukraine . Its all.
Great storytelling! Very well put together and narrated.
Yes indeed.
I'm not usually a fan of the Guardian's content but I agree with this comment
i donT
like
silly
narrows
WELL IT IS FOR PROPAAGNDA PURPOSES SO OFCORSE IT MUST BE BASED IN STORYTELLING AND OMIT ANY KIND OF CONTEXT THAT SHOWS TEH REAL MEANING BEHIND SOME OF THE STATEMENST MADE THAT WEST LOVE SO MUCH TO DISECT,CHERRY PICK AND THEN PRESENT IT IN TEHIR WAY.....
As far as story telling goes, The facts ae not quite right. It's not meant to be a story
Glory and freedom to Ukraine. 🇬🇧🛡️🇺🇦
@@Georgios1821 lol. 🚜🇷🇺💨💨💨
No. Glory to Russia 💪🏻
@@Georgios1821
How does that reflect a sense of kinship between Russia and Ukraine!
@@Georgios1821 If a nuke hits Kiev, a nuke will hit Moscow in return. Nobody wins.
@@Simpaulme 💯👍
It wasn’t called Kyivan Rus’. I was just Rus’. The former term is a Soviet invention, a misnomer, to separate the history of Rus’ from its origins in Kyiv and make russia the “true” descendants of that state. It’s important to note that the word ‘russian’ was in fact stolen from Ukrainian history, just like russians are looting stuff now from the occupied territories.
Very true but it was called Kyiv Rus
@@mariusmihai1292 no my friend. This is an academic term just like “Byzantine Empire”, the people of Rus (or the foreigners) never called their state “Kyivan” Rus, simply Rus
Novgorod (in Russia) was already a Rus settlement before Kiev was founded, so what are you on about?
Are the Belarusians also lying?
@@thephoenix756 The name Rus have nothing to do with Russia. At that time Rus had a meaning of traveler. Moscowits was name Russians in 1700.
So again Rus has nothing o do with Russia. Just because they are alike that does not mean that Rus is Russia. Russia is coming from Rus. But is not Rus.
Is like I name myself Mercedes and after that I say I own the company Mercedes.
Russia and Ukraine, both are descendants of Kiev Rus.
Novgorod after became Russia. But at time of Kiev Rus was Kiev Rus. And Russia did not exist.
You mean Belarusians or Lukasenko?
Because it’s not the same thing. Belarusians do not sustained that lie. And Russia is not at first try to lie about history.
They fooled all Moldavian that they are not Romanians. They fooled all Romanians that Romania did not have a king before they’re invasion. And so on. My country is also a victim of Russia sick genocidal deceiving ways of killing a nation
@@thephoenix756 in Fact Russia is lacking identity historically.
0:40 The funny part about that is that those guys were called the _Kievan Rus'_ or _Kyivan Rus'_ and when you look at their seals you can clearly see who has the heritage today.
So one could argue that there's a stronger argument to be made for Russia to the part of Ukraine than vise versa...
But hey! They got the church!
No, these guys started to be called Kievan Rus by Russian historians in 19th century. So, everybody knows who has the heritage today.
The Russians expected to be greeted with bread and salt. Well the salt they got. Rubbed in their wounds.
Nice figure of speech!
I’m so proud of Ukrainians!!! Long live peace !!!
Ukrainians and Russians are one people and one country. Now there is a civil war.
@@GrigVan that they are not.
@@GrigVan 40 million Ukrainians disagree with that statement
It’s a Proxy war not a civil war.
@@GrigVan Like Italians and Spanish people's?
Guess Italy should invade most of Europe, North Africa, and east bank since its all Roman
Time for pax romana! Lets go!!!
You are wrong, it is not their turn. As you said they already invaded it, next was the turks turn, next germans turn. True, it was kind of short. Or maybe not, if we consider that they exported their ambition over the pond and continued there. And now comes chinese turn, so russians hurried to grab a piece till it is not too late.
No, Italy and all of the world should belong to africa
Yeah that was like the whole point of fascism and Mussolini's dictatorship, didn't turn out too great so no thanks we are fine as it is
But all of humanity originates from Africa so perhaps Tanzania owns us all?
So, this actually wasnt about a perceived obssesion or, logically following, reasons for the invasion. There was however, much projection!
My ancestors are not Russians, they are Ukrainians. the ukrainian language only became our identity when putin started to take back the crimea that nikita khrushchev gave back to us in 1954. So it was also clear for the Russian speakers that they were Ukrainians. The situation is different in the Luhansk or Donetsk basin. The language there was 70% Russian and 30% Ukrainian. The so-called rebels who wanted to join Russia are an invention of the Russian secret service and Putin himself. We will not rest until the last place is liberated from Russian conquerors, including Crimea!
I've always found it strange how the Russian speaking population had always lived in peace in Eastern Ukraine up until rebels (LPR and DPR) made a sudden appearance. Definitely sounds like a Kremlin-created group.
there a 2 resins for that:
1) mass deportation of ethnic Ukrainians from Donbas to Siberia and relocation of ethnic Russian to donnas (that is why there crime rates and drinking are higher there compared to the rest of Ukraine)
2) 80-year-long russification during soviet times
Slavia Ukraine 🇺🇦.. The moment the lady told the invader ( here take these seeds so when you die at least a sunflower 🌻 will grow in your place) priceless. Slavia Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥️
He's not obsessed with ukraine, he's obsessed with himself
He’s obsessed with natural resources
The world leaders are obsessed with Putin.
@@adamblack267 as US then? And Germany? And..
Exactly right. Hegemony is in our nature unfortunately.
@@ylvajonsson8707 Whataboutism
The title should be "Why is the USA so obsessed with Ukraine?"
And why doesn't Russia care about human rights or any other state in the world?
@@rickywright1264 Oh Ricky must be American.
@jhaduvala you must be on the troll farm. 12 hour shifts working for a FaZZcist. Your grandparents would have been proud.
The US naval blockade on cuba( act of war) is due to the US not accepting Cuba as an independent nation ? Unfortunately the US expanded NATO east and precipitated war.
Whi exactly invades who?
My take from this video: Ukraine has a claim on Russia...
good observation :-p
*Putin wants to know your location*
@@MALITH666 *flees to Kyiv so he'll never be able to capture me*
Proud of Ukraine for pushing back. It will be rough foe several years. But they will rise as a strong Nation.
In my opinion there has been too much pain inflicted on the eastern regions of Ukraine by the pro-west Ukrainian army, for Ukraine to ever be united in peace and friendship. They asked Europe for help and were ignored. They will continue to want their independence, leaning towards Russia as it was Russia who came to their help, not Europe. Not taking sides here, just stating facts.
So Ukraine will suffer for 2 to 3 years after Russia is defeated and become an economic powerhouse like Germany?
That is how I read the situation. And I believe it will also take years for Russia to overcome its loss of standing in the world. The winners in Russia are those that have chosen to keave Russia for a better life.
Not if the EU keeps financing the war in perpetuity
From the second they started gathering troops I somehow knew ukraine wouldn't fall. It felt so good to see the bravery of the Ukranians during the siege of Kyiv and then seeing russia fail miserably. It's cathartic after waiting 8 years.
what kind of siege of Kiev?)))
Not a single word about geopolitics, economics etc.
NATO expansion, the strategic and economic importance of the Black Sea for Russia.
Whom the gods wish to destroy,they first make mad'.
“Our Armed forces are brothers in Arms” 😂 Except Ukraine is the brother who knows how to fight 😂
Ukraine has already lost the war. It's NATO that's fighting Russia now.
@@jimbocho660 hmm…I’m sure that’s it, what other source do we need then you 😂
I feel for you, the walls must be closing in and the world feels like it going away….. I’m just kidding, I don’t feel for you 😂
This is oligarchy vs oligarchy ie Russia vs USA.
@@adamblack267 That’s actually a very reasonable, very intelligent perspective. Well done 👊🏻
That is a statement that you’ll never hear from the mainstream media. This is definitely a proxy war.
Saddam Hussein also decribed Kuwait as part of Iraq.
Even in the USSR times, no one described Ukraine as historically Russian lands.
That is the reality only in the sick imagination of a madman. And the Kuril Islands taken from Japan are also historically Russia lands. As in by occupation.
Anyway, Ukraine is showing with Himars how historically Russian that land is.
Actually, with so many dead Russians buried there, it is actually becoming a historically Russian land. They are history now.
Actually Saddam Hussein's claim to Kuwait had a lot more validity than Putins claim to Ukraine.The division of the former Ottoman empire was an 'artificial' creation of the British and French following the end of World War 1 - and this is especially true of Kuwait which should have been made part of Iraq
At the end of the day it all comes down to the natural resources that these countries possess.
By Putin's own standard, Kaliningrad should go back to Germany and become Kögsnisberg.
Yes well Saddam Hussein didn't have a nuclear arsenal did he, so no point comparing apples to Bananas
Central and South America like it or not are USA dominions the world un fact - - wars are also fought economically, financially toppling GOV's, and sanctions something usa does very well
I love learning and that question of "Has Putin gone mad or is it a case that's he's acting rationally within his own warped parameters, his own fictitious reality?" really gets you thinking. I believe that we'll never know the truth of what he actually believes in his head, but one thing we do know is that either of those, makes him an incredibly volatile, dangerous man.
Actually this question is incoherent, since the two supposed alternatives are identical, but if you find it enlightening, well, that's TH-cam for you.
@@sheilamacdougal4874 nice
george bush acted very rational when he invaded iraq
America and NATO has killed millions of innocent civilians since 2001. But we are all programmed to think Putin is the bad guy…
Mr Putin has clearly stated what is on his mind many times in various speeches..
Just saying when they do eventually make a movie/tv series about this, it's going to be absolute fire
Ukraine has tons of arable land, newly discovered gas reserves and direct access to the black sea, among other things. Though the gas reserves are the main problem since they allow Ukraine to compete with Russian gas providers.
Exactly! Can't belive this video didn't even mention that.
This is more like the truth, Russia wants our natural resources.
100% the real issues!!! Of course The Guardian ignored that though 🙄
So, you're saying Russia's interested is that of a thief? That's correct.
I think your analysis is far more accurate than the guardian’s. The idea of Putin the historian is laughable.
well, don't forget about Belarus (a russian puppet now), Georgia (annexation of Osetia and Abkhazia), Ichkeria(occupation), Kazakhstan (pollitical pressure and Russification).
Kazakhstan has no choice , Kazakh suffered so much during Soviet time, lost entire 2/3 of its population
It has nothing to do with romance or history - its just because most of Russia is landlocked/icelocked and the only sea access it has is to go through EU waters. He wants access to Crimea waters and he wants to block Kazakhstan from free flow to Europe without Russia's say-so and that it will be the only country that can supply gas/oil to Europe
Well that worked out brilliantly for him lol!
Exactly it is about having a monopoly on resources and no competition.
Well, I’m a naval officer but personally speaking, as useful as sea access always is and as salient as your point is, I thought it was more about absorbing Ukraine’s domestic wheat, oil and gas production to Russia’s own, overtaking India as the second largest wheat exporter in the world, and then flogging all that wheat and oil and gas to China’s expanding population throughout the twenty first century? The real test of the axis of global power is whether a Russian/Chinese bloc pushes America and Europe around, and so far it seems like they’ve moved far too early and without any real staying power to test the global hegemony. For Taiwan, switch wheat for semiconductors.
@@georgemorley1029 I think China's population is forecasted to fall this century. They definitely have their own issues but I think Xi has backed the wrong horse. Strategically I also think there are untapped oil fields in the black sea.
@@georgemorley1029
You must be naval officer from west.
They usualy steal, rob and devastate what they touch.
I was just wondering why the UK is so obsessed with Crimea? At this point it’s pathological. Russia and Ukraine I understand, the history and geography makes it a sensitive area but Crimea and UK???? It’s bonkers
A dictator, war criminal and corrupt politician walk into a bar. The bartender asks : What would you like to drink, Mr Putin.
Nice bartender to give him respect with the mr
I would serve him our favorite drink called "Molotov cocktail".
@@nicholasfrost5946 Id go for the `polonium daiquiri`.
And
@@admiralbenbow5083 polonium tea anyone?
Shame so many people will die on both sides for the sake of one persons actions. When all authority is placed in the hands of one person, tyranny is what you get. It never ceases to amaze me how any country thinks it a good idea for that level of power to be invested in one person without any checks and balances. I guess that's what you get in totalitarian / dictatorship run societies. The one other country to watch is China who are administered in a similar way. I imagine China have been watching this very closely, particularly with there stated interest in Taiwan. Not so different from Putins view of Ukraine as belonging to Russia.
P was chosen for this reason
These countries are run as oligarchies look it up.
Search . ' Ukraine Crisis - What You're Not Being Told . '
You can’t just declare regions of another country “independent nations.”
Like imagine if the US declared British Columbia an independent nation and then just invaded Canada.
@@Waverlyduli I don't think you understood the comment. They were saying that Russia can't just declare Donetsk and Luhansk independent states and then invade Ukraine.
@@Waverlyduli Lol I’m confused
Search . ' Ukraine Crisis - What You're Not Being Told . '
That's what the US did in Kosovo though..
By leveling the major urban areas and an attempting occupation with an unrestrained military asault.
1 year later and we learned that almost none of this is true and russdia is in fact protecting itself
Because he doesn't like happy people. Too bad, now we can all thank Ukraine for giving us a laugh at Russias expense.
I was in Ukraine and it surprised me how positive and smiling many people are in there compared to other Eastern European countries, I was amazed...
Notice putin never smiles
Seriously, why? It’s not 1920 or 1820, or 920AD. People don’t just conquer stuff with convincing people anymore. We communicate too fast
Ukraine will prevail, love from Ecuador, South America
Why is Britain so obsessed with Ukraine ?
Thank you for this excellent piece of history and analysis. I think pukin has also become obsessed with Zelenskyy.
Putin is so jealous of Zelensky.
Zelensky is the leader Putin wish to be.
funny 🤣
@@ananunez1245 Agree but perhaps with uncontested permanent elevation akin to a monarch?
@@ananunez1245 😅
I love Ukraine and it's people.
so accordingly to Putin , Russia and Ucraine are in fact ....Scandinavian soil?
No
@@vladimirthegreen6097 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 its what the 'history' says vikings created Russia and Ucraine
@@erwinsegers3696 no it's bs
@@vladimirthegreen6097 correct ! Putin is full of it 🙂
I loved that Shakespeare comparison! but to think that there's still three more scenes to come is frightening
Russia's 200+ day long blitzcringe on Kyiv turned into Great Kharkiv Escape in the end
The "Anschluss" with Ukraine was supposed to go a lot more smoothly.
Shouldn't Russia then be Ukrainian, if it was an empire ruled from Kyiv?
Kyiv too weak to do anything. Not enough people not to mention they don't have nukes
@@aidasmatulaitis5175 doesn't matter - Putin's arguments are flawed
it wasn't, history been rewritten, so people would think exactly what you saying . Kyivan Rus didn't exist its like saying Romanian Italy, Parisian France. No one calls countries like that. Plus location of Kiev wasn't in appropriate location for capital. Russia was Tartaria before and was as one civilization around planet. No borders, just unity and no conflicts. Very advanced civilization. That is why so many similar historical amazing architecture exist around the world.
@@evgeniam685 Then why does Putin act as of Ukraine was a part of Russia?
Novgorod (in Russia) was the first Rus settlement in Russia or Ukraine, so no.
One man can cause hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions to suffer ever lasting pain and sorrow. We are a strange species.
if there is aliens out there i can think of a couple reasons that they have avoided making contact
Yep look at Palestine 🇵🇸
It is indeed strange that a nation can allow such a man to rise in power and stay in power for 24 years, and still don't fight it.
Ukrainians aren't the same people. They fight.
yep look Iraq
Worked overnights at an assisted living facility years ago. There was an elderly man who raised his walker over his head and shook it at me in rage because he was helping 2 other gentlemen steal all the fresh cookies I'd baked that were cooling on the counter for the next day's dessert menu. In that moment, his eyes flashed like he was about something far more serious than cookies.
TLDR: replace the walker with nukes, is how I see Putin these days.
Just give the old man the cookies and bake some more
@@targaryenbatman5728 LOL, right? but... That's not how it works in a healthcare facility.
It's not one guy taking all major decisions, a group of interests if that was that easy somebody would send hitman for Zelensky or Putin
Read my comment and you know, why u're ever so right.
What are you even saying🤣🤣🤣
Putin: "Ukraine is Russia"
Ukrainian people: "We beg to differ"
Then…
Tanks rolled over to the muddy plains of Ukraine, but Javelins/NLAWs are locked and loaded.
The greatest illusion one can cast upon oneself is to think everyone is on one's side.
However, for the sake of expansionism, this is a win for the Western powers who otherwise would not have to compete with a far more capable neo-Soviet revival than in the century previous.
Ukraine could easily retake all of the territory it lost earlier this year, but not without external ammunition provided to it by the Western powers beyond its borders.
Do you see now the issue? It is a permanent failed state until a true redrawing of the map.
Putin would just keep beating down the door, even if Ukraine joins NATO.
NATO does not have the gall to strike back--it would mean Ukraine is worth WORLD WAR. It most certainly is not, *нет* ?
@@vif3182 Perhaps the activities in Ukraine are not worth starting WW3, but should Putin step over any border with NATO, whether deliberately or accidentally, I believe NATO would respond. I remember back near the beginning of the war when one missile landed "only" 30km from the Polish border. That made news because of it's proximity to the West, and I think Putin noticed, and then concentrated on targets further East. I do think however he really relishes a fight with the West, but I bet now he's rethinking anything so audacious.
The West before 1917: "We concur"
@@mk1st Russians army has been a joke against Ukraine. Putin knows he would be easily defeated by NATO
When he said "this is the beginning of the end for Putin".. I really hope so, I sincerely hope so.
I just hope that Poutin act 5 scene 5 does not end like Ken Follet last novel...
cold joke
your hope was not acepted
@@youknowmyfirstlastname3206 so, you are not against this war? You are glad that people are dying and suffering?
@@Roberteetea something interesting happening in this boring modern existence at least. Maybe Taiwan will get attacked, should be fascinating to see that on the news.
@@orangeairsoft7292 you need help
Same as why is the USA so obsessed with Cuba?
Excellent brief look at how we got where we are. Moldova and the Baltic states were next, then Belarus would also cease to exist, but was less urgent as it was already occupied. I think what was missed out was his 'Thesis' was just an attempt at intellectual justification for invasion, he needed to carry his political cronies with him. He wanted to steal the great natural wealth in Ukraine, especially the vast food production in Ukraine. Between Russia and Ukraine Putin could blackmail the world with the threat of starvation and energy supplies, that was the real agenda, with Ukraine and Belarus the Russian federation would be a true superpower again........
The Russian defence minister was the only one who really was wise as to what a disaster the invasion would be .. but fear kept him from saying what he wanted to... he looked traumatized, by the appalling idea of the special military operation and the consequences, more even than by having to lie to Putin. I'm sure he knew very well what the Ukranians response would be and how they had been preparing themselves for such an attack by Russia. But any such truths would have fallen on deaf ears.. I'd say he's now sorry that he didn't object and resign instead and not been a part of it.
Search . ' Why is Ukraine the West's Fault . '
for Putin, Ukraine is like their best ex-GF that they kept failing to move on, back to the Soviet era. for Ukraine, Russia is the most abusive ex-BF that they hate at all.
This is actually a great summary! For a more in depth look I recommend the documentary called "Winter on Fire"
Thank you for clear concise and un-emotional reporting on a complex subject matter from a seasoned experienced reporter.
Lol fool
Why dont they make such reporting on US and Nato atrocités? The world is tired of sélective empathy that suits certain agendas! Lets arm Palestinians then since they have endured war crimes for decades?
Yes, you are correct in all you have stated.
The Guardian is one of the few remaining news sites I feel I can trust.
Slava Ukraini🇺🇦
I hope you're joking.
What Foolish thinking dinosaurus !!!
Since when BRITONS speak Truth ?
You do know almost all mainstream media sides Ukraine, right?
Thank you The Guardian for this detailed video explanation and all the support coming from other countries!
I suggest The Guardian to make a video about why Ukrainians and Russians are so different in some ways or how many times Russia has tried to erase Ukrainian culture and language- there are many interesting facts in these topics which could help to understand more why Ukrainians are so warlike)
How will pointing out differences in cultures help achieve something positive? You don't feel that there is enough hate between Ukrainians and Russians now?
@@MichaelNickolai the goal is not to spread negativity between 2 countries but to share with people from other countries some historical background so they could understand some reasons and consequences of this war better. Understanding leads to a clearer communication which leads to a faster solution.
I'm Russian and I dont care about Ukraine. You can have your culture and whatever you want but you cant, because you so hard try to lick as** of west. First try to be independent from EVERYONE at least. Then say stuff about your f*cking glory.
we all know who Luke Harding works for! he is a registered liar and his bosses are not at the guardian but somewhere else.
@@leen.a even within the Russian federation there are different peoples, ethnicities and languages.
What are you on about?
The best high level assessment Ive seen. Thank you!
Well, its normal for Russia be interested in Ukraine. But why is US so interested in Ukraine?