The Ukrainian Russian War will be difficult to bring to an end. When Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered up to 200,000 soldiers into Ukraine, his aim was to sweep into the capital, Kyiv, in days, overthrow its pro-Western government and return Ukraine to Russia’s sphere of influence. Putin failed but, more than three years later, a fifth of Ukrainian territory is in Russian hands.

Ukraine’s deep seated animosity toward Russia is rooted in a long and complex history of conflict, territorial disputes, and cultural clashes. Particularly during the reign of Catherine the Great, Ukraine was gradually incorporated into the Russian Empire. It was also during this period that in order to promote russification that the Russian Empire implemented policies aimed at suppressing the Ukrainian language and culture.

Following the victory of Soviet forces in the Russian Revolution in 1923 the Ukraine became part of the Soviet Union with a limited autonomy. However, as the Soviets solidified control after 1930 a policy directing the forced collectivization of agriculture was introduced which the Ukrainians resisted. As punishment for their resistance Soviet leadership directed that crops grown in the Ukraine be confiscated and be shipped to other parts of the Soviet Union. In addition, other foodstuffs right down to loaves of bread in homes were confiscated. This activity led to a major famine that killed anywhere from four to seven million Ukrainians something Ukrainians have never forgotten.

During World War II, some Ukrainians collaborated with Nazi Germany primarily due to their animosity toward Soviet rule and the hope that Germany might grant Ukraine its independence. Ukrainians, particularly those in western regions, who had experienced the most cruel Soviet repression and the famine, had an overwhelming desire to break away from Soviet control. Nationalist groups like the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) saw collaboration with the Nazis as a way to achieve this goal.

While some elements within the German military initially considered supporting Ukrainian independence, Adolf Hitler’s racial ideology and plans for the economic exploitation of Ukraine ultimately precluded any formal alliance or support for an independent Ukrainian state within the Nazi regime.

Sadly, some of those who collaborated with the Germans committed war crimes including participation in the Holocaust and the massacre of Polish civilians. However not all Ukrainians collaborated with the German with many joining the Soviet military and others fighting with Guerrilla and partisan units resisting Germany.

Putin’s viewpoint on the current geopolitical situation can best be summed by remarks he made calling the collapse of the Soviet Union the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the 20th century. Putin desires to recreate the old Soviet Union empire, and his KGB eyes see Ukraine as an integral part of that empire and not as a sovereign nation.

Russia emphasizes its shared history with Ukraine going back to the period of the Kievan Rus’ which was the first eastern state which later became an amalgam of principalities in Eastern Europe from the late 9th to the mid-13th century. Russia further bases its claim on the presence of a significant Russian-speaking population in Ukraine, particularly in the eastern and southern regions, and the historical influence of Russian culture in that region.

Russia views Ukraine’s turn toward the West and its pro-Western policies as a deliberate “anti-Russia project” fostered by the west. Putin has repeatedly stated that Russians and Ukrainians are “one people,” in an attempt at blurring the lines between the two nations while undermining Ukraine’s independence. Putin recently declared, “All of Ukraine is ours,” further demonstrating Russia’s imperialistic ambitions and disregard for Ukrainian sovereignty.

The hatred that exists between these two nations has generated intense fighting that has been likened by many to the fighting that took place on the western front during World War I characterized by trench warfare along essentially static front lines, intense artillery exchanges resulting in heavy casualties and deaths.

I don’t think that anyone knows how this war will end despite the efforts of President Donald Trump and other western leaders. Putin and Zelinsky dislike each other intensely. Zelinsky wants complete independence from Russia and the return of all territory seized by Russia. Putin in turn desires the recreation of the Soviet Union meaning the end of Ukrainian independence. Both nations are exhausted, and the war is in a virtual stalemate a situation that in many cases would bring an end to a war but in this case we have two nations that are driven by historical, cultural, and visions of the future that they may not be willing to forget or compromise.

As I write this it is obvious that Putin is stalling for time while launching drone attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure in the Ukraine. Should he continue on this course it will be time for President Trump to attack the already shaky Russian economy which hopefully will get Putin’s attention.

One positive that has come out of this situation is that NATO now has new members in Sweden and Finland and is again clearly united in strengthening their armed forces to oppose Russian adventurism and to keep Europe and the west at peace. President Trump has proven that the United States is still the leader of the free world and a trustworthy ally. He has also made it clear that the U.S. is not in this alone and that our allies must also do their part in defense.

Thomas Kirkpatrick Sr. is a SIlver Creek resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com.