95. The History of Putin's War

This episode explores the complex history of Ukraine and its relationship with Russia, focusing on the period from the Holodomor to the 2022 invasion. Against the backdrop of the devastating famine and Soviet occupation, the discussion delves into the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact and its consequences, including the Sovietization of Eastern Poland and the subsequent German occupation. More significantly, the conversation analyzes the role of Ukrainian collaborators during World War II and how this historical context informs contemporary Russian propaganda portraying Ukrainians as Nazis. For instance, Anne Applebaum highlights the "Hunger Plan," a Nazi strategy to starve Ukrainians, and contrasts it with the Soviet famine, both resulting in millions of deaths. As the discussion pivots to post-war events, the rise of Khrushchev, a Ukrainian himself, and the impact of the Chernobyl disaster on Ukrainian nationalism are examined. The episode concludes by analyzing the motivations behind Putin's invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing his imperial ambitions and the ongoing struggle for Ukrainian independence and integration with the West. This highlights the enduring tension between Russia's imperial aspirations and Ukraine's pursuit of self-determination.