Russia/ Ukraine Flashcards
When did Ukraine become part of the Russian Empire?
18th Century.
When and why was Crimea given to Ukraine?
1954 - As a symbolic commemoration of 300 years of reunification.
When did Ukraine declare independence and why?
In 1991, after the collapse of the USSR.
What was the 2014 Euromaidan Revolution?
A series of protests and demonstrations, which led to the ousting of President Yanukovych after he abandoned plans for closer intergration with the EU in favour of Russia.
How did Russia respond to the Euromadian Revolution?
Russia responded by annexing Crimea in March 2014. It justified this as protecting the Russian-speaking population and asserting Crimea’s right to self determine itself.
Explain the 2015 Ceasefire?
Known as the Minsk Agreements, it aimed to end the conflict between Ukraine forces and Russian-backed separatists. It would call for a ceasefire, withdrawal of weapons and granting special status to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
When did Russia invade Ukraine and what did it violate?
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, which violated international law.
Why did Russia invade in 2022?
A) Justified as “de-nazification of Ukraine” and freeing the country’s oppressed Russian inhabitants.
B) Wants to prevent a potential partnership between Ukraine and the West.
C) Tries to assert that its actions were motivated by security concerns including border protections and to protect the Russian-speaking population.
Challenges to Ukrainian government by Eastern Donbass separatists?
=> Includes 31,000 supported Separtists fighters in Eastern Ukraine
=> In Donbass 2014, 90% voted for separation from Ukraine. Though the elections was considered unconstitutional by Ukraine and the West.
=> Led to 1.47 million becoming internally displaced.
=> Losses of power, water, gas, poor access to health care.
Challenges to Ukrainian government from Russia’s annexation of Crimea?
=> Annexation is a fundamental challenge to sovereignty and territorial integrity which are part of European norms.
=> Crimean vote for secession (93% for) not recognised as done under duress of Russian military.
=> Ukraine has lost out from the tourism, energy, mining, and port sector in Crimea, losing out on 3% of its GDP.
=> Contributed by Russia cyber attacks since 2014. In December, 250,000 impacted.
Local impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine? (From invasion and annexation)
=> Qualified workforce are leaving (brain drain). They do not want their assets to be frozen.
=> 7.1 million families are living in poverty, 4x more than before the war.
=> 1,523 medical facilities in Ukraine have been destroyed leading to poor access to healthcare.
=> 1/3 of IDPs had symptoms of PTSD.
=> 30% of environmentally protected areas have been destroyed.
Regional impacts of Russia’s annexation and invasion?
=> 6.6 million refugees across Europe come from Ukraine. Some positives, e.g Poland benefiting from a rise in migrants as need for labour. Has cost $5 billion, but added 1-2% to GDP.
=> Ukraine has stopped being the ‘breadbasket of Europe’, stopped exporting wheat so it can feed its own people. But international impacts.
=> Ukraine stopped 85% of the water into Crimea, leading to drought and agricultural losses. The land returned as a semi desert.
=> Increased rent and house prices from Russian refugees moving to neighbouring countries like Georgia and Armenia.
International impacts of Russia’s annexation and invasion?
=> Ending of wheat exports has led to increased prices of food globally. Has worsened Egypt’s food insecurity and Lebanon is exceptionally short on wheat.
=> NATO has increased military strength in vulnerable former Soviet States, especially the Baltics. International distrust of Russia.
=> Over 1000 TNCs companies have been withdrawn from Russia. Shell’s withdrawal will cost $4-5 billion.
=> EU and US Sanctions have increased prices, leading to inflation and oil glut. Sanctions are set to continue, costing Russia $40 billion. Despite reduced public spending, economy set to grow by 2.6%. –> Oil bought by China and India instead.
