Russia and Ukraine: Forever apart? the two countries at loggerheads over “common past”

Abstract

The article provides an analysis of the use and misuse of history in Ukraine-Russia relations. Its main point is that Russia and Ukraine shared much of common history, but now they have very different approaches to it which are determined by both their past and contemporary agendas. The Russian elite seeks to reestablish Russia as a world player on the international arena. Ukraine is essential in this pursuit as an integral part of Russia’s past, which, in turn, is used for justification of its present ambitions. Ukraine is mostly viewed by the Russian elite as part of Russia’s history proper. The Ukrainian statehood is considered as an odd joke of history. The Ukrainian elite has a very different vision and understanding of the past, which is projected to the present. The Ukrainian official historical narrative considers Ukraine as a separate entity with a millennial history. Russia is increasingly often presented in this narrative as an external oppressor, the evil Other obsessed with eternal imperial ambitions. Annexation of Crimea and hidden support of separatist movements in Donbass by Russia provide more strength to this perception. The historical arguments are heavily used by both countries in pursuing their political goals both at the national and international levels. The current state of relations between Ukraine and Russia predetermines further instrumental use and misuse of history for the purposes of propaganda and hybrid war.