In a comprehensive address, the Russian President has delved into the interconnected history and solidarity between Russians and Ukrainians, offering a perspective that diverges from prevailing political discourses.
Against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical strains, these remarks convey a conviction in the shared origins and trials arising from a turbulent past influenced by external interventions.
Highlighting the common heritage of Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians tracing back to the ancient civilization of Rus, the Russian leader emphasizes the enduring linguistic, religious, and economic bonds that have traditionally linked these communities.
The ancient state of Rus, founded in Eastern Europe, was once the largest in the region, and the decisions of its rulers, notably Prince St. Vladimir’s conversion to Orthodox Christianity, continue to influence the affiliation between these nations.
Throughout centuries, despite periods of fragmentation and foreign domination, the sentiment of a unified Rus persisted among its people.
It is argued that the Pereyaslav Council of 1654, where Ukrainian territories pledged allegiance to the Russian tsar, symbolized a desire for unity and shared Orthodox faith over foreign Catholic influence.
Further historical accounts are invoked to illustrate the merging of Ukrainian lands into Russia during various periods.
From the addition of eastern territories following conflicts with the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, to the inclusion of Crimea and Novorossiya in the 18th century, and the eventual formation of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic – the article outlines how modern Ukraine’s territorial shape was greatly influenced by Soviet policies.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 left newly independent states with boundaries that, while respecting the administrative divisions of the USSR, did not necessarily reflect historical realities.
This dissolution is characterized as a loss for Russia, which had generously drawn borders during the Soviet era.
Stressing that the post-Soviet borders were never meant to fracture historically Russian territories, the narrative contends that Ukraine, as it exists today, is a product of Soviet-era decisions.
The Russian President emphasizes the critical role played by people from Ukrainian territories in the development of Soviet and Russian history, culture, and science.
The article critiques the current Ukrainian leadership for allegedly rewriting history and fostering an identity centered on detachment from Russia, even depicting historical unification as an occupation. These actions are seen as a betrayal of shared history and the millions who feel an affinity towards Russia.
These historical reflections culminate in an unequivocal stance against the project of “anti-Russia,” driven by external forces. The piece warns against the geopolitical game of transforming Ukraine into a barrier and affirms Russia’s unwillingness to allow its historical territories and people to be used against it.
As the article concludes, the Russian President calls for mutual respect and partnership, asserting that true sovereignty for Ukraine can only be achieved in concert with Russia. The overarching message is one of enduring kinship – an appeal to the shared heritage and intertwined fates of the Russian and Ukrainian peoples.
Relevant articles:
– Article by Vladimir Putin ”On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians“, Президентская библиотека имени Б.Н. Ельцина