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– 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

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

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.

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

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 Poro shenko, who is described as pro-

European, became president of Ukraine.

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.

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

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