The Ukraine crisis: a Russian–European cold war?. (13th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kent, Neil; Samokhvalov, Vsevolod
• Is Part Of: Journal of intelligence and terrorism studies. Volume 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2016-06-13
• Subjects: History -- Europe -- Russia -- armed conflict -- Crimea -- Ukraine; Intelligence service -- Periodicals; Terrorism -- Periodicals; International relations and terrorism -- Periodicals; 327.1
• DOI: 10.22261/SAXH48
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2398-6131

Abstract

Abstract: This article analyses the historical context of the crisis. It considers the relations in the triangle Russia–Ukraine–West against the background of the Ukrainian events during and after Maidan, as well as the reunion/annexation of Crimea with/by Russia. In Ukraine this has largely been seen as a conquest, but in Crimea itself (and Russia) significant majority regard it as a successful outcome. It analyses the major factors in this conflict, as well as offering a recommendation for its possible resolution. The "shared cradle" of Ukraine and Russia is considered, including the establishment of the Orthodox Church, whose first seat was at Kiev and whose patriarchate was eventually established at Moscow. The important role of this church — as well as that of those which have recently broken away — is also examined with respect to the conflict. The fratricidal policies of the imperial centre in the early Soviet period, the devastations of the Second World War, and the tensions of the post-Soviet period are also analysed, not least with respect to the legacy they have left. The conclusions consider what is going on in Ukraine and Crimea today and what means are being implemented by the various factions with respect to their future.