#415 – Serhii Plokhy: History of Ukraine, Russia, Soviet Union, KGB, Nazis & War

- Serhii Plokhy emphasizes the historical interconnectedness of Russians and Ukrainians, highlighting the influence of the Kievan Rus on both nations' foundational mythology, which is central to current geopolitical tensions.

- Ukraine's 1991 declaration of independence played a pivotal role in the Soviet Union's dissolution, showcasing Ukraine's importance in the post-Soviet space and the value of Ukrainian sovereignty against Russian influence attempts.

- Ukrainian national identity has evolved distinctly, fostering a political culture of dialogue and pluralism, contrasting with Russian identity, which is historically tied to the state and empire.

- The Russo-Ukrainian War is presented as part of the post-Soviet states' broader historical process asserting independence and sovereignty, with the uncertain resolution and the revitalization of Cold War-era alliances.

- Russia's goals in Ukraine, specifically the prevention of Ukraine's Western drift and annexation of territories, contradict Ukrainian national identity and democratic development, deepening the divide between the two nations.

- Plokhy discusses nuclear diplomacy, noting that leaders' personal characteristics and generational experiences, such as those during the Cuban Missile Crisis, are critical in decision-making about nuclear weapons.

- The legacy of the Chernobyl disaster illustrates the Soviet regime's systemic flaws and its impact on ecological nationalism and the demand for transparency that contributed to its dissolution.

- Plokhy critiques the viability of nuclear energy, warning of potential future disasters due to lingering issues within the nuclear industry and the psychological and political reactions to nuclear accidents.

- Zelensky's leadership during the war has unified Ukraine, with strategic decisions focusing on national cohesion and his stay in Kiev during the invasion rallying both domestic and international support.

- Putin's narrative of historical unity with Ukraine is rooted in imperial ideologies, with recent actions indicating an entrenchment of territorial ambitions and a legalistic hurdle to peace negotiations.