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Russia/Ukraine

Russia/Ukraine. Overview. Fighting between Ukraine's military and pro-Russia rebels continues in eastern Ukraine Russia insists that it should be permitted to send aid to the conflict-battered region many of whose residents are Russian speakers

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Russia/Ukraine

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  1. Russia/Ukraine

  2. Overview • Fighting between Ukraine's military and pro-Russia rebels continues in eastern Ukraine • Russia insists that it should be permitted to send aid to the conflict-battered region • many of whose residents are Russian speakers • Has sent a convoy of trucks it says are carrying relief goods to the border. • Kiev government has expressed fears that the mission is a camouflaged effort to smuggle supplies to pro-Russia rebels • Some trucks are empty

  3. What sparked the conflict? • Dates back to before the dissolution of the Soviet Union • Protests for closer Ukrainian ties to the European Union drove out Ukraine's pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych • Back in November 2013, Yanukovych refused to sign an agreement with the EU

  4. Escalating Violence • Fighting between pro-Russia rebels and Ukrainian troops has killed more than 400 people in eastern Ukraine in the last few months • while tens of thousands have fled their homes.

  5. Crimea • Crimea is 300 miles southwest of the rebel-held eastern part of Ukraine. • In March, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin argued: • group of anti-Russian extremists in power in Ukraine were a threat to Russian-speaking people who lived in Crimea (60% Russian) • Putin called the events in Ukraine an illegal coup and ordered troops into Crimea

  6. Who’s Involved? Who has control? • Pro-Russia rebels have been fighting with Ukrainian gov. troops in eastern Ukraine • Russian authorities have claimed Crimea as Russian territory • Ukrainian government claims Crimea is still a part of its country • On March 16, a "referendum" for the integration of Crimea into the Russian Federation was held • called illegitimate by the Ukrainian government, the EU, the U.S. and the U.N. General Assembly. • In elections in May, Petro Poro­shenko, who is described as pro-European, became president of Ukraine.

  7. How has the US become involved? • Soon after Putin ordered troops into Ukraine, the U.S. announced a $1 billion loan guarantee to help Ukraine’s bank and finance ministry with financial affairs • help prepare the country for its national elections in May • President Obama announced sanctions against Russia • hoping to end the pro-Russia rebellion in eastern Ukraine • target two major energy firms, financial institutions, eight weapons firms and four individuals.

  8. Ukraine’s thoughts • Ukrainian lawmakers believe that Putin wants to control Ukraine in an attempt to reestablish a new version of the former Soviet Union

  9. Russia’s fear • If Ukraine were to align more closely with Europe and see its economy revived, it would not bode well for Russian citizens • Ie: former Soviet state of Poland saw economic benefits after its alignment with Europe • While under pro-Russian Yanukovych, Ukraine's economy plummeted; rampant government corruption • Russia wants to exert its power and influence • If Ukraine successfully integrates into the European Union -- and benefits from that partnership -- it would be a huge setback for Russia politically and strategically

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