Because we see scenes of devastation in Ukraine – destroyed buildings, distraught civilians – we naturally tend to sympathise with Ukraine and see the invasion of Ukraine as ‘Putin’s war’ – a democratic state invaded by a more powerful neighbour. There’s truth in that, but there are some awkward facts we must not ignore, except we enjoy having a one-sided version of events lodged in our heads.
- Ukraine consists of two major groups – one outraged by the Russian invasion and supported by the West, one which sees the EU and NATO and the West as the danger, and supported by Russia.
- In 2014m Viktor Yanukovych, the democratically elected president of Ukraine, was toppled from power and a more Western-leaning regime installed.
- More than 30% of Ukrainians speak Russian as their first language.
- Russia is bordered by fourteen countries. Five of these are NATO members: Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Five are EU members: Estonia, Finland, Latvia , Lithuania and Poland. Maritime borders. Include Sweden, Japan and the US state of Alaska.
- The US does not like having unfriendly countries near its border. Cuba is the outstanding example, even though it is comparatively tiny; and any time a country in South America has policies the US dislikes, it invades them. Some examples: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Nicuaraga, Granada, Panama and Chile.
When denouncing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is well to keep these background facts in mind.
We look at the history of the Ukraine & Ireland I would say they have very much the same sad history of being repeatedly attacked / invaded / occupied by their powerful neighbours.
Yes Ireland had/ has their planters as do the Ukraine their planters! These planters in both countries were / are all about the oppressor trying to change the loyalty to be of the occupied country to be sympathize to the occupier.: eastern / south east Ukraine and the 6 counties. Stalin starved / Ukrainians as did Irelands occupier did starve us and millions of lives were lost.
In closing I personally fully support Ukraines push back against Russia’s unprovoked invasion in the same way as I support Irelands desire to become a united country once again!