By: Ananiya Narmathan

Though the majority of us are familiar with the current Russo-Ukrainian Conflict, tension between these two countries dates back all the way to the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).

The USSR, the Russian-dominated Soviet Union, was one of the world’s most powerful and influential states that included 15 republics, one being Ukraine. It became recognized as one of the five nuclear weapons states and was not only the world’s second-largest economy, but also was the largest standing military in the world. However, in 1991 the Soviet Union began to collapse and Ukraine–which was then known as the Ukraine Soviet Socialist Republic–became an independent state along with many other countries.

This separation left Ukraine with the third largest atomic arsenal in the world. However, through a series of agreements between Russia and the United States, Ukraine gave hundreds of nuclear warheads back to Russia in exchange for security assurances that protected it from a potential Russian attack–this was put to the test in 2014.

Guardian graphic. Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe


Armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in February of 2014 in Crimea and parts of the Donbas which are internationally recognised as parts of Ukraine. At this time period, Russia invaded and formally annexed the Crimean Peninsula, a mainly Russian-speaking region, from Ukraine. Now, Ukraine and the majority of the international community recognize Crimea as occupied territory even though currency, tax, and legal systems are all operational under Russian control.


Russia also started a separatist uprising in Ukraine’s south-east area by sending soldiers and weapons to provoke conflict which then resulted into a full-blown war. In 2015, a peace deal was made but low-level fighting has continued along the front and both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement.

The current Russo-Ukraine conflict isn’t caused by tensions in the last couple months, but rather tensions that have escalated over the months, over the years, over the decades.

Works cited:

Kirby, Jen, and Jonathan Guyer. “The Increasingly Complicated Russia-Ukraine Crisis, Explained.” Vox, 9 Feb. 2022, http://www.vox.com/22917719/russia-ukraine-invasion-border-crisis-nato-explained. Accessed 27 February 2022.

“Russia’s War in Ukraine: Complete Guide in Maps, Video and Pictures.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 27 Feb. 2022, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/25/russias-war-in-ukraine-complete-guide-in-maps-video-and-pictures.  Accessed 27 February 2022.