Today, Explained Why the Ukraine war happened
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Dec 27, 2022 
Timothy Snyder, a Yale historian who specializes in Eastern Europe, delves into why Ukraine's sovereignty is pivotal in the context of the war. He points out that Putin's belief that Ukraine belongs to Russia is rooted in a flawed historical narrative. The discussion highlights Ukraine's arduous journey towards independence, particularly in the aftermath of Chernobyl, and how historical traumas shape its identity today. Snyder emphasizes the resilience of the Ukrainian people as they navigate the modern implications of the invasion.
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Ukraine's History
- Putin claims Ukraine was created by Russia, using this as justification for invasion.
- Snyder argues this is a framing device, not a valid argument, as Ukrainian history predates the Soviet Union.
Soviet Policy Fluctuations
- The Soviet Union's policy towards Ukrainian language and culture fluctuated.
- Initially, they promoted Ukrainian culture, but under Stalin, this shifted to repression and forced collectivization.
Ukrainian Famine
- The forced collectivization of agriculture in Ukraine under Stalin led to a devastating famine.
- Stalin blamed Ukrainians, leading to further repression and the death of millions.