Why is Vladimir Putin so obsessed with Ukraine?

Guardian correspondent Luke Harding chronicles the key historical events that led to the invasion of Ukraine, from the Euromaidan protests to the annexation of Crimea, and explains why Putin's belief that Russians and Ukrainians are 'one people' is rooted in history from a thousand years ago.
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Putin's Russia: from KGB agent to Kremlin operator - video www.theguardian.com/world/video/2022/may/09/putins-russia-from-kgb-agent-to-kremlin-operator-video
Putin's Russia: dictator syndrome and the rise of a 'mafia state' - video www.theguardian.com/world/video/2022/jun/20/putins-russia-dictator-syndrome-and-the-rise-of-a-mafia-state-video
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#Putin #Ukraine #Russia #War

[@Cam4Cameron]

“Put these seeds in your pocket so at least sunflowers will grow where you lie” just gave me chills

[@SimDeck]

Yep, that was pretty rough. Brilliant and brutal.

[@newyorkcity5851]

Granny probably turn into sunflower seeds.... Rest in peace old lady

[@Zdraviski]

I wonder if it's the same old woman who gave poisoned soup to ruSSians who thought they were welcome in Ukraine.

[@aaronbaker2186]

It is great how she is saying "you will die here," in such a subtle way. Watching as what were claimed to be the most elite units of Russia are being absolutely destroyed is honestly kinda cool in a macabre way. The Russian military has been shown to be a paper tiger and the state of Russia is a joke.

[@SUPERNOVA0360]

@@newyorkcity5851 Old lady?

[@ValWasTakenWasTaken]

in 1939, Stalin thought the Finns would welcome a Soviet invasion, especially the Red Finns who had lost the civil war a few years earlier. However, being Finnish was more important and so you had the reds and the whites coming together against a foreign foe as Finns. Very few collaborated and the Soviet losses were devastating. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.

[@lindsman682]

I don't see any evidence Stalin thought the Finns would welcome a Soviet invasion, he thought he could roll over a smaller nation, and he was wrong. Ukraine is more culturally similar to Russia, but has yearned for true independence for a millenia. It's also a lot harder to defend than the Finland, but the Ukrainians are clearly motivated to win.

[@SerenityMae11]

@@lindsman682 you're wrong. It's very well documented Stalin told the troops they would be welcomed with open arms by the Finn's

[@sesimono555]

@@SerenityMae11 very well documented, don’t say things when you don’t have a source clown

[@MrSpritzmeister]

After the Finnish civil war it was government policy to distribute land ownership to the reds as well, this meant they had something to lose and therefore something to fight for. Similar thing has happened in Ukraine recently, there is something to fight for and something to lose.

[@JoeVideoed]

@@MrSpritzmeister I only recently (as in the last decade of my 50+ yrs on this earth) learned about the Finnish civil war. It seemed pretty brutal just like the Russian & American 1s, but there were actual attempts at reconciliation by the winners so it seems.

[@gardenhit7654]

Great bit of work I live the comparisons you draw which make it so much more simple to understand

[@endahanley1679]

As long as his last scene does not include a Nuke, If so it will be everyone's last scene.

[@mostbestjia627]

Hey Vlad, you should make Russia a province of Mongolia if you want to repeat the history again.

[@danutahanyga4834]

Moomin Papa of Tove Janson? It's best to ask President Putin what he wants rather than relying on the mindless Western media.

[@republica843]

@@danutahanyga4834 what he wants and what he gets are two different things. He will go down in history as, Sputin the Brainless.

[@Truspio]

Essentially Russia is now an heir to the Mongol empire, the civilization values (like no respect for human life, rejection of the concept of definite truth- and khan is accepted to be always lying), the military- looting, raping, bloodthirsty, covardly retreating when outnumbered; the system of power. Kremlin is today's Karakorum. Putin himself looks more like a Mongolian than European.

[@32shumble]

@@danutahanyga4834 Little putin has told us what he wants in his speeches Ivan.

[@arthurdewith7608]

That’s were it’s going with land lost along the Black Sea Russia will become more isolated in trade Putin has painted himself into a corner

[@Lessons4Life]

You can't just occupy a country because your ancestors lived there 2000 years ago

[@winstonsmith-ministryoftru1609]

Are you referring to Israel?

[@royalwolf7115]

@@winstonsmith-ministryoftru1609 Blame that one on the Brits. How about we shift the focus a bit away from the oil fields and more towards the east?

[@Ramtin-Blue_rose]

Israel sweats nervously !

[@carlosandleon]

Bro, the soviet union broke apart 30 years ago.

[@carlosandleon]

You can occupy a country with power.

[@micnalunva1]

He is not obsessed. The real question is why NATO, mostly their master US, wanna get near Russia.

[@johngawrylash7732]

What are you talking about ? NATO won't even let Ukraine become a member. NATO only strengthened the border of the 3 Baltic States after Putin took over Crimea. In fact, how was it that the Russian troops just walzed across the Ukraine border with no resistance ? They have had boots on the ground in eastern Ukraine for years and that area was secured by Russian troops. Putin wants control of the Black Sea, period.

[@angelikaskoroszyn8495]

It's a funny thing, really. Ukraine couldn't be able to join NATO for two reasons. 1. Germany was heavily dependant on Russian gas and they would oppose the addition. 2. They had border disputes even before the war. So Russia had nothing to fear about creeping NATO forces Let's look at the map now. Two nordic nations got so spooked they decided to join the alliance inspite of decades of neutrality Germany got cut off Russian gas and was forced to become independent Ukraine is slowly resolving the border disputes The support for NATO is all-time high in Russia neighbouring countries. If anything they demand more troops within their borders If Russia was really scared of NATO then why tf they're constantly making it stronger? I think everyone (Russia included) loves the alliance. To answer your question - it's spreading because everyone wants it to spread

[@MathyBoonen]

A better question would be. Why all neighbours off russia want to join nato so bad?

[@avelinomiseray6349]

They have history.. Real question is why the US is so interested in Ukraine 🤔

[@bradjames6748]

I'm not a fan of the conservatives but I do applaud Stephen Harper for refusing Putin's handshake and telling him to "get out of Crimea" in 2014, long before it was "fashionable"

[@DGE123]

Possibly the only positive thing that guy ever did. ironically Harper is himself very authoritarian and uber religious,,maybe he was jealous?

[@nonnayerbusiness7704]

@@DGE123 How was he uber religious? He was even publically in support of abortion rights. I think you don't know what Harper did or thought, but just slotted him into an "arch-conservative" archetype in your mind.

[@Nikephorus]

@@nonnayerbusiness7704 Being that Canada is center left even conservatives have to say they are in support of abortion rights if they want to win an election.

[@TheRogueEmpire]

and now all the conservatives support putin.

[@nair.127]

@@nonnayerbusiness7704 Harper never openly supported Abortion. He expressed that it is a legally decided subject . One he would not reopen . No federal government (regardless of party idiology) In Canada, has tried to replace the law , struck down by the supreme Court of Canada . They have just left it in the provincial hands . legal ,but up to provinces health care jurisdiction to regulate it .

[@seanbinkley7363]

I guess by Putin’s logic then Italy has a right to take over all of France, Spain, North Africa and England because the Roman Empire owned all of it…

[@MrBell-iq3sm]

And Germany has right to take Italy, since it beat the Romans, conquered its lands in the follow centuries and Italy was part of the HRE lead by German Emperors.

[@moritamikamikara3879]

And Greece has the right to take Afghanistan

[@denvertopoland3363]

Actually all of that was the polish Lithuanian common wealth. Sounds like it should all go to Poland.

[@MrBreakingbad]

@@moritamikamikara3879 Ottomans: Hold my beer.

[@kittyss2371]

Exactly! Also, with Pootin's logic, then Rusia is also part of Monglia coz Mongols as Most 99% Russia may be descendents of the Khannate.. 😆😆

[@stephenonline345]

Three words to summarize the motive: “Warsaw Pact, NATO”, the rest just read your history book, you would understand why he did it. Just read up

[@feels6233]

You’re embarrassing

[@MathyBoonen]

Long befor that russia had a history with invading. Does the bolcovics means anything?

[@MathyBoonen]

And what treath was nato for russia?

[@pleasemisguideme345]

Why he did it? Because he still is wrong.

[@tapejara1507]

His main problem is ukraine joining nato. That would make moscow very vulnerable and be a huge risk for their national security.

[@who_is_dis]

I Left Ukraine as a 7 year old in 2002 - He is right in the sense that Russia and Ukraine are very intertwined, many of my relatives had moved there from Russia. However, Ukraine was always its own entity and constantly fought for its own freedoms throughout history. My mum had always hated Putin 🤣I didn't really ever fully understand why until 2014 and onwards.

[@mariusmihai1292]

What is not to hate about Russia and Putin?

[@RezzpektMVP]

@@mariusmihai1292 if they actually kept their word, they wouldnt be a threat to ukraine or its people. But hes always looking for a fight....

[@mariusmihai1292]

@@RezzpektMVP who?

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

@@mariusmihai1292 Putin

[@noelle3551]

@@andreme7326 I am in disbelief at your comment!! Tell you what go read a few history books on Ukraine, maybe go visit also and form an opinion before coming out with such drivel!!

[@doltsbane]

To follow Putin's "logic", Ukraine is the parent country. Putin should resign in favor of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia should be handed over to Ukraine, and the capitol should be moved to Kyiv.

[@foreigngrounds9776]

Putin is a crazy maniac lol he doesn't have logic

[@DarkRoomAmbience]

Exactly. Sounds like Ukraine has more right to Russia than Russia to Ukraine

[@frankswarbrick7562]

I don't think Ukraine wants responsibility for 140 million Russians.

[@rerror3577]

Honestly I think that is the better explanation. They say Ukraine is a country without a history, but Russia is the one struggling with a lack of history. The true capital of Russia is in Ukraine, so Russia is incomplete. Ukrainian culture competes with Russian culture. And they don't see themselves as a province that grew out of Ukraine, they view themselves as one of the greatest empires in history.

[@tokyo.peking]

@@DarkRoomAmbience EXACTLY ! Now you have learn which truth britons teach. BTW You really think guardian do not lie.

[@infoseekerdotmaduro6879]

Well, that's one version of history. The truth is never buried deep.

[@randomxaos]

Thank you for this great information

[@ravelingmadness5123]

Seeing toddlers being carried in active war zones is some of the most terrible imagery I could ever imagine

[@linobiavaschi9157]

As per what meaning?

[@williamyoung9401]

Seeing rifles inside a religious citadel is also quite terrible imagery... (2:38)

[@adetaiootuyemi8169]

In a place like 21st century Europe. It's chilling and scary

[@arthurdewith7608]

@@linobiavaschi9157 meaning the heartlessness of the Stalin Putin way of treating people like robots with no mind

[@cheesypuffs1342]

you never seen Palestine?

[@SuperfieldCrUn]

"At least put these seeds in your pockets so that sunflowers will grow where you lie." That's raw.

[@juliacheetham6854]

Thank you for this great resumé of the situation.

[@ygreq]

nice summary!

[@del_j4106]

I am Ukrainian , seeing first days of war brought all this memories and made me cry . Thank you for coverage

[@imaginemetoo]

GLORY TO YOUR COUNTRY 🇺🇦💙💛

[@qzorn4440]

glory to Ukraine. 🌻

[@Facebook-sb3eo]

Prayers 🙏usa 🇺🇸 stay safe

[@markkane8261]

Говоришь по русски? Ты выжил обстрел?

[@UAGoWSuplexer]

@@markkane8261 speak ukrainian? Ukraine owns russia

[@CaliGirl305]

Vladimir Putin is a lunatic . I admire the Ukrainian citizens fighting for their country🙏 .

[@Kodakcompactdisc]

He’s also an idiot.

[@perfectmazda3538]

Ukraine fought 13 wars (independence wars) against Tsars Russia and later on Red Army and now Russia again, even tho they never won for the first 12 times, this time with the support of the whole world they will finally achive their dream of complete freedom.

[@crissdiamond1907]

…and he’s not alone in the russian nation to be a lunatic

[@goldenaye3]

If Putin is a lunatic, I wonder what you are, takes one to know one.

[@donkeynuts75]

@@goldenaye3 they're guardian readers. Try not to take those with single digit iq's too seriously.

[@captjim007]

One man can cause hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions to suffer ever lasting pain and sorrow. We are a strange species.

[@bigcat100and2]

if there is aliens out there i can think of a couple reasons that they have avoided making contact

[@pearls1626]

Yep look at Palestine 🇵🇸

[@mizstyx775]

The real question is...why is the US government obsessed with Ukraine.

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

Another key detail not covered is that Ukraine was acknowledged as a "separate" and "voluntary" country within the USSR - as on paper its constitution allowed for independence any time it wished. The problem was any Ukraine actually working for independence was either arrested or assassinated.

[@tokyo.peking]

Olease DO NOT LIE HERE. You do not know!

[@Vlad65WFPReviews]

@@tokyo.peking The only ones lying are those supporting the Kremlin.

[@my-curiosity]

as Ukrainian, I confirm it. After occupation (after WW1) USSR had to refer to Ukraine as a separate country, otherwise they would have faced a huge resistance from Ukrainians. So they act carefully, making a trap for Ukraine. Around 10 years later, they started repressions, prisoning and killing Ukrainian elite, again forbidding Ukrainian language, organized terror-famine Holodomor in 1932-1933 ...horrible and evil times you can't even imagine...over 5 millions people starved to death (nobody counted, if there are real numbers exist they are hidden by Moskowi KGB in secret archives).

[@tokyo.peking]

@@my-curiosity Oh...cmmon...do not LIE. THEY PRACTICALLY MAKD UKRAINA FROM OTHER STATES PARTS. Where was that ukrain before comunists ?

[@tokyo.peking]

@@my-curiosity Ah yes, holodomor.... DID ANYWHERE IN CCCP ALSO PPL DIE BECAUSE OF HUNGER OR OOOONLY IN UKRAINA ?

[@wakawakachuchu9353]

I recall a failed painter using the same phrase "historycal land" "restore our nations territory" . Things didnt go well for him.

[@Cris_the_coder]

I can't wait till Putin gets the 9 mm treatment. At that point Russia will have failed two times in my lifetime.

[@jimbocho660]

*groan*

[@goldenG978]

Painter didn't had nukes , in today's world 7-8 countries are nuclear power , what do u what destruction of earth ?

[@TheRose5357]

Thank you so much I have learnt so much from this ..

[@stevensong8784]

Thanks!

[@BrutishLearner4]

Another interesting historical fact to consider to add to this all: The Cyrillic alphabet used by both Russia and Ukraine, originated in what is now Southern Bulgaria/Northern Greece, commissioned during the First Bulgarian Empire. Our histories are intertwined, sure, but we also have a right to shape our histories going forward. I guess by Putin’s logic, Bulgaria should be annexing all Slavic countries still using Cyrillic today as part of a New Bulgarian Empire, because hey, we gave y’all the gift of writing, which led to your literature, and hence helped shape your cultures. Seems logical to me! (Sarcasm, if it wasn’t evident)

[@habarakadageperera1298]

Thanks. Now I understand Putin's flawed logic.

[@MarcGrafZahl]

Oh, and all countries using the Latín alphabet are actually Italian property? 😱

[@maatwarrior340]

In fact, Cyrillic alphabet was invented for Russia by Greek monks, Kirill and Mithody. Russia culture, language, history, mentality and religion was always connected to Greece, in particular ithose Greek who lived in Black Sea region and Constantinople.

[@BrutishLearner4]

@@MarcGrafZahl Biggest plot twist ever. The fall of the Roman Empire was just a prelude to later take over large swaths of the world because of Latin roots of various languages 😂 Ancient Rome’s Revenge

[@mikesamovarov4054]

You're clearly mixing the language and the alphabet. Polish is similar to Russian, yet they chose latin letters to represent sound. Alphabet doesn't metter that much.

[@Kltpzyxm17]

As a former 2 year old, I feel the man's pain.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

🤣

[@roseblue3368]

Great one😂👍

[@veramae4098]

Snarky. 😅

[@NomenFugazi]

underrated comment!

[@GreoGreo]

Cry more.

[@eliasmora715]

great analysis...the begining of the end, it is.

[@nordx5]

nice video! thanks

[@DavidGetling]

Putin isn't just obsessed about Ukraine. It just happened to be the first country on his shopping list, that he thought would be a pushover. Of course, now that it isn't he knows that losing there also means losing power, and possibly his life too. Hence the reason he will never stop of his own free will.

[@Dethfeast]

Exactly. He thought it would be like Hitler and Austria.

[@patriark]

Not the first. That was Chechnya, a country whose he ordered a domestic terrorist attack within Moscow to legitimatize the invasion. Grozny was then leveled to rubble during the second invasion. After that, it was Georgia. So there have been a long history of Putinist aggression. Ukraine is the first to properly stand up to this bully. And the West must learn that our weak stance for the last few decades have been a failed policy towards a terrorist state

[@Simpaulme]

Why should he think it would be a pushover after the Maidan uprisings!

[@EiziEizz]

@@patriark Exactly, western politicians have immersed themselves in shameful cowardice and appeasement. Slava Ukraine, freedom or death.

[@maatwarrior340]

The UK is becoming the most racist country on the planet, supporting russophobia and economic unjust. Leading to global crisis and apocalypse. Colonial past......

[@Kostyantinovich]

Putin is like an abusieve ex husband that cant take it that his partner left him because it wanted a better life.

[@Blanka1100]

And he blames his ex wife for calling the police.

[@goldbullet50]

No, Putin is a head of state of a great power that is concerned when the sphere of influence of their enemy expands closer and close to their borders.

[@Max_Jacoby]

@@goldbullet50 he don't give a shit about Finland joining NATO though...

[@Blanka1100]

@@goldbullet50 Russia it's a poor state where milions of people have no toilet at home and anything but a super power. Cheap gas station, russian science sucks, russian medicine sucks, gdp sucks, cold war erea is over and Eastern Europe it's not Russia's backyard anymore. Russians seems to be the only one not to get this fact yet, patrzetic state and pathetic paranoid leader who can not stand his tme of glory is over.

[@capohd28]

@@goldbullet50 Sorry, but Russia is no longer a great power. Great powers are based on financial resources, not colonialism or “sphere of influence”. The US is a great power, not because of it’s military or colonial ambitions or even nukes. It’s because of it’s financial power. That’s what it is wielding against Russia and will bring it’s demise. NATO and the US have no ambitions to take over Russia, which seems to be their biggest fears. US only wants peace, more now than ever. I can’t say the same for Russia who think that imperial ambitions are what makes it great. It does not. The sooner Russia realizes that, the sooner they can turn their focus to build their economic power which has never been realized after the Cold War, as Russia could not stop attacking neighbours.

[@basreiziger6689]

So, this actually wasnt about a perceived obssesion or, logically following, reasons for the invasion. There was however, much projection!

[@dawoodwaris]

Well put.

[@back2sqr13]

Now he is thinking: "If I can't get Ukraine no one else will"

[@twilightprince4833]

I'm scared that he'll nuke the country...

[@AlexEffractor]

Ukraine belongs only to Ukrainians. russia can bomb our country, but we'll rebuild everything. We are rebuilding broken streets, buildings, and power plants right now. Greetings from Kharkiv, Ukraine!

[@rositasultana3958]

Ex boyfriend syndrome...

[@albinpaul3429]

@@twilightprince4833 Russia is losing so there is high chance for nukes to fly.

[@mindliss92]

If those he orders will push the button that is...

[@tommcallister7647]

That elderly Ukrainian woman at 8:55 is a legend. The Russian soldiers should have listened to her.

[@eugenio1203]

I loved that Shakespeare comparison! but to think that there's still three more scenes to come is frightening

[@akalax4791]

That's one way to see it.

[@jaabaadaabaaadoo]

Freedom to Ukraine from Bosnia 💛💙

[@nomadlifehacks]

I hope also peace and harmony for Bosnia too. I was in Medugorje and Mostar, beautiful cities

[@RJCMaxification]

Bosnia invaded Ukraine? haha just kidding

[@sodiumvalproate3936]

I hope you folks can acheive peace and get the justice you truly deserve. I truly care for Bosnia 💛💙🇧🇦

[@beeinthehive]

Seriously...? "We are one people"... And if you don't like it, I will destroy you all?

[@volodymyrberezhanskyy9111]

Quite precise it is...

[@DemisG.]

And why USA is so obsessed with Ukraine ?

[@danielleng7070]

Is not important what he wants, Important is what people wants!! It’s just a sick ambition if one man

[@wellardme]

Yeah, and i wonder if anyone has asked those 1 million dead Iraqis about the peaceful intent of Western countries. Of course not: it's ok when we do it.

[@lockwoodpeckinpaugh9252]

Ego maniacs roll that way.

[@Cris_the_coder]

Putin thinks he was born special when he's just a regular human, just like any of us 😐

[@schutsheer_des_vaderlands]

So what do you think the people of the Donbass want? Oh wait, that doesn't matter. Hypocrite.

[@Cris_the_coder]

@@schutsheer_des_vaderlands just say it with me. the people of Ukraine do not want to be ruled by Putin. Not even young Russians want to be ruled by Putin. Nobody wants to be ruled by Putin.

[@user-pt5vn5zk7m]

As a Ukrainian I’m very glad that west now see all those crazy history speculations and other reality that russia build inside it’s own country and society. There is much more things to know about why we are absolutely different people with Russians and why we newer been their allie or part of territory. We always was a forced victim and couldn’t resist without help but now we are not alone. As all other Ukrainians, I’m sure that with our will to fight and you help we will finally break that endless circle of forced « friendships » with them. And look like we are already wining.

[@kickmcmelon18]

Ukrainians have been fuqed over and stepped on throughout history and that's where I think this spartan level thinking and fighting moral is coming from. Enough is enough isn't just a saying... #Slavaukraine!!! Love from the usa!!

[@arselenebitara1356]

May victory yours very very soon. 💞💙💛💙💛🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦fr PH🇵🇭

[@veramae4098]

Just watched a vid about the elimination of smallpox. The whole idea was begun by a Russian doctor. Except later, they mention he was Ukrainian. Keep seeing that in Russian history, now that I'm sensitive to it. Ukraine has contributed so many great people to history ... no wonder Putin is dead set on claiming it's Russian.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Slava Ukraini🇺🇸❤️🇺🇦

[@user-pt5vn5zk7m]

Thanks everyone for your support! Hope after victory you will visit our beautiful cities to enjoy architecture and our cuisine😉

[@chillymonkeys7772]

Excellent put together video 👏🏼👏🏼

[@dariastroeva6779]

But where is the Donbass' part of this story? Why not even a word about it?

[@antons5302]

This claim to Ukraine and its heritage on the basis of a history-inspired fan fiction is pretty much like either Portugal or Romania proclaiming itself the sole successor to the Roman Empire and claiming Rome (and all of modern Italy, of course) based on that

[@thestarseeker8196]

Israel did it based on a book of myths and the world decided that was all that was needed. Never underestimate the toxicity of this kind of nationalism.

[@greatsarmatae]

That is what exactly Muscovy did with "Rus" identity. Because there is only one ethnic and cultural Rus - Ukraine.

[@thestarseeker8196]

@@stefanfreestylez oh yeah, trust me I know how it is to dare to question one of the Big Three™ in any way 😂

[@roysmith3767]

Search . ' Why is Ukraine the West's Fault . ''

[@3strll]

Same goes to China.

[@peteraguon5065]

Ukraine has just about everything. Major sea port terminals, flat & rich soil, grain & other stuff. Several nuclear powerplants. Untapped natural gas & oil.

[@elitecoder955]

The total worth of natural gas , coal and other non renewable resources in Russia is valued at 75 trillion dollars

[@tonyjay508]

@@elitecoder955now I can understand why the Europeans wanted control of Ukraine that's a lotta dough a lotta EU Politicians can get their hands into that $75 Trillion

[@leonardgmiller8924]

@@tonyjay508 it belongs to the Ukrainian people and no one else

[@hellothere1656]

@@tonyjay508 The EU is not Russia. They allow their member states to make their own choice and control their resources whilst Russia just straights up invades and steals it for itself.

[@elitecoder955]

@@leonardgmiller8924 we are talking about Russia

[@peterdemong2871]

Can't wait for scene 5...

[@ciandahebe5692]

Insightful

[@doglasbrowny7874]

The real question is, why Russia is so obsessed to Putin?

[@aiapihud4344]

you've clearly not been paying attention to the state collapsing for the last week..

[@KaloyanKasabov]

Chechen war and economic development up until 2014

[@igrok878]

Russia respects order.

[@oleksandrfomin326]

Russian people has never lived under democratic regime. They don't know what taking responsibility means, they're afraid of it

[@Boorad88]

They prefer living in a run down jail with little economic opportunity. Ask the Tsarina: Russians love the whip!

[@TheInfamousMrFox]

Something important to know, for all who are interested in history and/or support Ukraine: Rus’ ought not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even punished for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and were forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine, which is a horrible injustice!

[@BenjaminVestergaard]

That's a very detailed and extensive explanation. Thank you, I learnt something today. Then I have one question, but it's about the name of the Rus, you say the name originates from Greek, but I've heard that it originates from scandinavia, while vikings were the ones sailing the seas and settling in inlets (vig in modern danish is a corner of an inlet), the rus were the rowers that went up the rivers to make settlements (roer in modern danish means rower). Which one is more correct?

[@orbitfold]

Yes, by Putins own theory Russia should be part of Ukraine and not the other way round.

[@DennisBLee]

Nice run down. Anyone familiar with medieval history knows that Kyiv was the center of the Slavic world for a long time while most of the region east of the Dnipro was overrun with steppe hordes and warring fiefdoms.

[@Disorder2312]

How the name "Ukraine" originates then, if you're saying that it was Rus'?

[@ChRW123]

@@orbitfold From now on I'll call Russia Eastern Ukraine

[@Persilein]

perfectly well described!

[@Rome372]

brotherly.....yes how brutal insane you treat your brother...

[@oski1990]

Based on the fighting, Ukrainians and Russians are NOT the same.

[@chaosXP3RT]

7:50 This minister actually messes up a moment before this and says he supports the annexation of Luhansk and Donetsk. It's pretty incredible

[@jiblazed]

Great piece!

[@alexkcchung]

The logic of "we share the same ethnicity and language therefore we are one country" is not only an overly simplistic one but one that contradicts history in many ways... the Singaporean PM was the one who spoke out against that and you can't help but think that many Asian countries are worried

[@NorthPoleSun]

Ukraine was artificially invented. It's not a real country.

[@firehazzard8497]

@@NorthPoleSun The United States was artificially created, it seems pretty real to me.

[@UAkovalchuk]

@@NorthPoleSunukraine is the kievan rus!!

[@sheckyfeinstein]

The poor guy hasn’t picked up a new time zone in such a long time…

[@TheDavidlloydjones]

There are about four time zones he's in danger of losing out there -- although China operates 62 degrees of longitude on a single time zone. This may be why he recently took time out of his hectic schedule to visit Kazakhstani and China. If he manages to stay in office, he may live to see Moscow's loss of any influence in Mongolia...

[@matimus100]

Prince Andrew and Tony Blair loves this comment

[@DacianRider]

I still have hope that the Western world will put liberty over comfort and that Putler won't divide us. We need to constantly speak up against the Kremlin regime and support Ukraine. Slava Ukraini !

[@Neo-Reloaded]

I hope Ukrainians solve their own problems instead of begging for help around the world. Sometimes you just need to leg go of pride. Give Putin some land and end this senseless war.

[@sanderdeboer6034]

I have reduced my gas usage by 90 percent. Now only taking cold showers and not heating my house. Also did away with my car and only use public transport, bikes and walking to get around. No more airplane trips for me as well. Only taking the train to go on holiday. And many others follow this example here in the EU. Overall gas consumption has been reduced the past 6 months by 25 percent. I meet Ukrainian refugees on a daily basis, who stay on a river cruise ship only 100 meters away from my house. Others stay near my step fathers house in a large hotel. I have been collecting toys for Ukrainian kids for months now, and do as much as I can do give aid. So we are doing as much as we can, plus giving up a lot of comfort to defeat this murderous fascist dictator Putin.

[@sanderdeboer6034]

@@Neo-Reloaded Insane argument! Just give fascist murderous dictator Putin some land and end the senseless war? First of all this has already been done with Crimea, which was taken by Russia in 2014. Ukraine obviously didn’t agree with that, but didn’t start a war over it. But now evil Putin wants the rest of the country. So what if Ukraine will give ‘some land’, will that stop insane thief dictator Putin? HOW?

[@sanderdeboer6034]

@@Neo-Reloaded You use MAFFIA LOGIC! If you give me your profits I will stop harassing you! If you give me your land I will stop the war I started!

[@JoaoVictor-hg4tr]

@@Neo-Reloaded i think i saw something like this happen before, would you like to ask the czechs about it?

[@claudermiller]

The same reason the United States was obsessed with Cuba getting nuclear weapons from the Soviets. Ukraine offered to be a nuclear arsenal on Russia's border. They find it to be unacceptable just like Kennedy found nuclear weapons in Cuba to be unacceptable.

[@Kishanth.J]

Yeah but Ukraine gave up it’s nuclear weapons in exchange with assurance that it territory would be respected by the West and Russia. Russia went back on it word and the West ignored it’s promise to defend it.

[@jeremysanders5104]

Just saying when they do eventually make a movie/tv series about this, it's going to be absolute fire

[@athelenboy9414]

That winter was on fire.. Glory to the Heros.. Rest in peace Serhiy 🇺🇦🇺🇦

[@polecat4599]

He's not obsessed with ukraine, he's obsessed with himself

[@adamblack267]

He’s obsessed with natural resources

[@ylvajonsson8707]

The world leaders are obsessed with Putin.

[@ylvajonsson8707]

@@adamblack267 as US then? And Germany? And..

[@adamblack267]

Exactly right. Hegemony is in our nature unfortunately.

[@sodiumvalproate3936]

@@ylvajonsson8707 Whataboutism

[@samgillespie]

Great video!

[@dank2820]

Excellent reporting

[@pjhgerlach]

The Russians expected to be greeted with bread and salt. Well the salt they got. Rubbed in their wounds.

[@amalgama2000]

Nice figure of speech!

[@ebbeb9827]

Guess Italy should invade most of Europe, North Africa, and east bank since its all Roman

[@jonathangeorge787]

Time for pax romana! Lets go!!!

[@ehombane]

You are wrong, it is not their turn. As you said they already invaded it, next was the turks turn, next germans turn. True, it was kind of short. Or maybe not, if we consider that they exported their ambition over the pond and continued there. And now comes chinese turn, so russians hurried to grab a piece till it is not too late.

[@teresamccartney1309]

No, Italy and all of the world should belong to africa

[@ad_astra468]

Yeah that was like the whole point of fascism and Mussolini's dictatorship, didn't turn out too great so no thanks we are fine as it is

[@jooseppib1082]

But all of humanity originates from Africa so perhaps Tanzania owns us all?

[@chaubui9122]

Excellent, informative and convincing video!

[@whatbrettdid]

I think this all changes now. Great piece of video making here.

[@Sean-ll5cm]

My take from this video: Ukraine has a claim on Russia...

[@RuslanKvitnevyi]

good observation :-p

[@MALITH666]

*Putin wants to know your location*

[@Sean-ll5cm]

@@MALITH666 *flees to Kyiv so he'll never be able to capture me*

[@Diggnuts]

A dictator, war criminal and corrupt politician walk into a bar. The bartender asks : What would you like to drink, Mr Putin.

[@teresamccartney1309]

Nice bartender to give him respect with the mr

[@nicholasfrost5946]

I would serve him our favorite drink called "Molotov cocktail".

[@admiralbenbow5083]

@@nicholasfrost5946 Id go for the `polonium daiquiri`.

[@brandyluck6171]

And

[@zoeydeu2261]

@@admiralbenbow5083 polonium tea anyone?

[@boomshine7]

6:06 Belgium: hold my croissant

[@IterativeTheoryRocks]

Marvellous!

[@GwaiZai]

Great storytelling! Very well put together and narrated.

[@davidburke2697]

Yes indeed.

[@steelgear3876]

I'm not usually a fan of the Guardian's content but I agree with this comment

[@andrealuisecandido1154]

i donT like silly narrows

[@goranstojanov1160]

WELL IT IS FOR PROPAAGNDA PURPOSES SO OFCORSE IT MUST BE BASED IN STORYTELLING AND OMIT ANY KIND OF CONTEXT THAT SHOWS TEH REAL MEANING BEHIND SOME OF THE STATEMENST MADE THAT WEST LOVE SO MUCH TO DISECT,CHERRY PICK AND THEN PRESENT IT IN TEHIR WAY.....

[@danutahanyga4834]

As far as story telling goes, The facts ae not quite right. It's not meant to be a story

[@davidgellatly1975]

The real question in historical justification is determining when history should start. Usually it is when your people are on top. If one really looks at the History of the Ukraine, one learns that that the Ukraine was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which also included large chunks of Belorussia, while Russia was under the thumb of the Golden Horde. Ukraine later became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which at one time occupied Moscow. During this period the borders moved bak and forth depending upon the fortunes of the various neighbors - Russians, swedes, Cossacks, Ottoman Turks, Magyars, etc. Over the course of the late 18th Century Poland/Lithuania and the Ukraine were partitioned between Austria-Hungary, Germany and Russia. In the case of the Ukraine, it was split with Austria Hungary getting the western portion formerly known as Galacia/Ruthenia and Russia taking the Eastern portion. The Crimea was original a titular part of the Ottoman Empire and home to the Tartar remnants of the Golden Horde and routinely pillage by Cossacks from the Zaprorhizia region of the Ukraine. So, who truly owns the Ukraine? Poland? Lithuania? Turkey? The Tartars, The Cossacks? Or, in accordance with the Right to Self-Determination enshrined in the UN Charter, the Ukrainian people?

[@MarioSanchez-ze2wq]

It makes me happy to know that there are people that read and remember history. Nice condensed version of Ukrainian history. Thank You Mr. Gellatly for sharing.

[@vladimirthegreen6097]

Cossack didn't look at themselves as somethings different from the Russians in this time

[@geofflepper3207]

If Neanderthals were living in Ukraine 100 thousand years ago then I'm willing to go with the slogan "Ukraine (and all of Europe) for the Neanderthals, past, present and in the future forever".

[@ionaskualexander1255]

So Russia should become a province of Mongolia, right?

[@buddyrojek9417]

Nice summary, the reality is the Ukrainian constitution is legal under the current UN Charter and international law, so Putin is totaly wrong under International law. Even Kosovo is still illegal under international law, yet he then uses it as justification. Ukrainians don't want a Russian "dream" so are fighting, and 75% want a EU NATO future. 25% prefer independence, but hey, that's democracy

[@terrysaunders9124]

He's more obsessed with not finishing what he started, this is not going to end well for everyone

[@icwiz]

4:26 that was a perfect throw!

[@lancegibson5646]

I'm very happy to see that Ukrainians are fighting back and regaining lost territories and what a joy to see Ukrainians with relieve and excitement to greet their liberators. Slava Ukraine and may God bless the army ! 😊🙏

[@mikesamovarov4054]

Happy as well, I almost gave up hope for my ancestral land! Go, Ukraine, go! 💙💛💙💛💙

[@WoKBlog]

@@aidasmatulaitis5175 exactly. Russia will win.

[@DrLoverLover]

Warmongers

[@raaid85]

how did ukrainians figbt back? lol the soldiers were speaking southern american accent. this is a war of aggression by nato

[@efghggdxlmfn33]

@@raaid85 yes, the counter-offensive of Ukraine - is a tactical victory, I don’t deny it, but a lot of resources, manpower, energy, money and weapons were invested in it, this offensive was planned for several months, but it was planned to capture Kherson and ended with the capture of an insignificant part of the territory, less than 5% of what Russia controls in the east and south of Ukraine. you can call it a flight, you can call it the re-grouping, whatever but I didn’t see any serious evidence of Russia’s huge losses during the retreat.

[@RovingRoninEDC]

“Our Armed forces are brothers in Arms” 😂 Except Ukraine is the brother who knows how to fight 😂

[@jimbocho660]

Ukraine has already lost the war. It's NATO that's fighting Russia now.

[@RovingRoninEDC]

@@jimbocho660 hmm…I’m sure that’s it, what other source do we need then you 😂 I feel for you, the walls must be closing in and the world feels like it going away….. I’m just kidding, I don’t feel for you 😂

[@adamblack267]

This is oligarchy vs oligarchy ie Russia vs USA.

[@RovingRoninEDC]

@@adamblack267 That’s actually a very reasonable, very intelligent perspective. Well done 👊🏻

[@adamblack267]

That is a statement that you’ll never hear from the mainstream media. This is definitely a proxy war.

[@innahohosha2752]

Well done!

[@211inprogress]

Glory and freedom to Ukraine. 🇬🇧🛡️🇺🇦

[@211inprogress]

@@Georgios1821 lol. 🚜🇷🇺💨💨💨

[@leftenanalim]

No. Glory to Russia 💪🏻

[@Simpaulme]

@@Georgios1821 How does that reflect a sense of kinship between Russia and Ukraine!

[@chaoscorsair]

@@Georgios1821 If a nuke hits Kiev, a nuke will hit Moscow in return. Nobody wins.

[@211inprogress]

@@Simpaulme 💯👍

[@kiraalialeeonfairythegreenone]

Interestingly, the term Ukraine appears for the first time in the Hypatian Chronicle in 1187. Russia did not exist. The term Russia appears 400 years later during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Ukraine is my ancestral homeland 💙💛 Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦💙💛

[@daniels1263]

No glory there anymore

[@svarog8253]

so ? im ukranian as well, but ukraine russia and belarus share the same medieval history, moscovy was part of kievan rus, Kievan rus started in Novogord. rurikids dynsty was went on In moscovy and russia till Tsarsdom age.....you are permited to not like russians but dont you even try to change history.

[@marinazw1775]

@@svarog8253 👍👍 очень достойно. И верно.

[@NameUserOf]

If you are Ukrainian and repeat Muskovia's version of history that was proven wrong long ago then you're vatnik. Novgorod was dated much younger than Kyiv and in letters it was stated that when Novgorod existed Kyivan Prince was writing how he is going back to Rus' to his home town, Kyiv. Muskovia was a colony of Kyivan Rus' for a brief time but later Holden Horde captured it and since then it operating separately as Holden Horde's Usul. And it was ruled by Eastern rulers up until Peter 1 saw the moment they became weakened and strike his masters.

[@roysmith3767]

Search . ' Why is Ukraine the West's Fault . '

[@jeremy28135]

I think this is a reminder for us all to be more concise and clear when speaking in public 😂

[@chuckdavis3793]

I learned something new thank you

[@Autokey_Security_Services]

Slavia Ukraine 🇺🇦.. The moment the lady told the invader ( here take these seeds so when you die at least a sunflower 🌻 will grow in your place) priceless. Slavia Ukraine 🇺🇦 ♥️

[@jaymentzu1961]

I’m so proud of Ukrainians!!! Long live peace !!!

[@GrigVan]

Ukrainians and Russians are one people and one country. Now there is a civil war.

[@anonymousmoon7863]

@@GrigVan that they are not.

[@BobuxGuy]

@@GrigVan 40 million Ukrainians disagree with that statement

[@adamblack267]

It’s a Proxy war not a civil war.

[@paulfri1569]

@@GrigVan Like Italians and Spanish people's?

[@adirice4636]

here after the absurd interview of Carlson - Putin, basically Putin reiterated the same ideas. Spent half an hour talking history just as this correspondent explained. Putin is a madman

[@Whiterun_Gaurd]

Why is everyone so obessed? is the real question

[@sneedmando186]

Seriously, why? It’s not 1920 or 1820, or 920AD. People don’t just conquer stuff with convincing people anymore. We communicate too fast

[@laminatedhedgehog]

As a Ukrainian, let me re-emphasize: we have never been one country, we have never been allies or friends or brotherly nations. It has always been an empire-colony relationship. And it must be stopped. We never wanted and will never want to be w/ ruzzia in any kind of "friendship"or union, in any shape or form. And I am still shocked how the civilised world simply ignored our 44-million people country (like the biggest country in Europe), looked at us only through the moscovia's imperialistic lense, and never looked at us as an independent sovereign state which we fought to be, and let the history be the witness, we fought so hard. Ps. ruzzia loving trolls in the comments, you're какашки.

[@DrLoverLover]

As one ukrainan you dont speak for everyone

[@bakimc4722]

@@DrLoverLover :Excellent answer.

[@user-iz7fu2dp6q]

@@DrLoverLover Imagine how many Ukrainians don't watch foreign channels like this one and can't answer to you. And if you say that his comment is not right, then ask yourself why 99% of all Ukrainians hate russia now?

[@yahyaelmi8435]

The Soviet Union was a country . Ukraine has made a mistake , they shouldn’t betray your old ally , by deciding to want to join NATO .

[@titogarcia1830]

La historia dice bien claro...Ucrania,Kiev existio primero que Rusia.......nunca los ucranianos han sido de Rusia.......al contrario.......los rusos eran moscovitas.......ni rusos se llamaban....Slava Ucrania Slava Ucrania...el pais mas valiente que se ha conocido,,,,,,Venga tu reino Dios........

[@winelover8620]

The title should be "Why is the USA so obsessed with Ukraine?"

[@rickywright1264]

And why doesn't Russia care about human rights or any other state in the world?

[@jhaduvala]

@@rickywright1264 Oh Ricky must be American.

[@rickywright1264]

@jhaduvala you must be on the troll farm. 12 hour shifts working for a FaZZcist. Your grandparents would have been proud.

[@DarksideSulejah]

Why is NATO so obsessed to extend next to Russia's border? #🤔

[@urielalbertodiazreynoso6309]

to steal russian resources?

[@MathyBoonen]

Its the country own choice. Nobody says someona has to join. But a better question would be why all neighbours want to join?

[@TVTransmo]

Historically Russia is Viking land ....I don't really know if we want it back thou :)

[@AmaliaGranath]

Sweden doesnt object! 🤣🤣 Oleg was a swedish viking.

[@sharwama992]

@Risto Kempas please tell me your joking

[@abbottone]

It has nothing to do with romance or history - its just because most of Russia is landlocked/icelocked and the only sea access it has is to go through EU waters. He wants access to Crimea waters and he wants to block Kazakhstan from free flow to Europe without Russia's say-so and that it will be the only country that can supply gas/oil to Europe

[@blackbirdsr71]

Well that worked out brilliantly for him lol!

[@boynamesue7720]

Exactly it is about having a monopoly on resources and no competition.

[@georgemorley1029]

Well, I’m a naval officer but personally speaking, as useful as sea access always is and as salient as your point is, I thought it was more about absorbing Ukraine’s domestic wheat, oil and gas production to Russia’s own, overtaking India as the second largest wheat exporter in the world, and then flogging all that wheat and oil and gas to China’s expanding population throughout the twenty first century? The real test of the axis of global power is whether a Russian/Chinese bloc pushes America and Europe around, and so far it seems like they’ve moved far too early and without any real staying power to test the global hegemony. For Taiwan, switch wheat for semiconductors.

[@kwanman5146]

@@georgemorley1029 I think China's population is forecasted to fall this century. They definitely have their own issues but I think Xi has backed the wrong horse. Strategically I also think there are untapped oil fields in the black sea.

[@tokyo.peking]

@@georgemorley1029 You must be naval officer from west. They usualy steal, rob and devastate what they touch.

[@b0nab0]

Thank you for this video from Ukraine!

[@andrewhylton8712]

Excellent

[@marissaalonzo7997]

The best high level assessment Ive seen. Thank you!