Ukraine Keeping Its Independence from Russia

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

Introduction

Sovereignty is an issue of substantial gravity in Ukraine, particularly with Russia on its tail. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and the two countries have been at war since (Hunter 10). Putin claims that he is shielding Ukraine from the negative influence of Western counties, while Ukraine wants Russia off its territories. In 2014, Maidan Revolution transpired in Ukraine, where Ukrainians removed Yanukovych from office when he began the Eurasian Custom Union dialogues (Fix 125). Russian forces also took control of Crimea, a stronghold of Ukraine during the same year. Ukraine must understand its history with Russia and the factors that threaten its autonomy to formulate strategies that will help retain its sovereignty.

Scholars suggest that Russia has a problem accepting Ukraine’s autonomy. Political analysts insinuate that the gas shortage in Ukraine in 2008 was Russia’s tactic in turning the masses against Ukraine’s President Yushchenko and halting the European Union dialogue (Kushnir 125). The majority of Russian leaders consider Ukraine an extension of Russia since they share cultures and before Ukrainian was made the national language, the Ukrainians used the Russian language (Mykhnenko 530). Russia has interfered with the Ukrainian political process severally and vouched for leaders that support Ukraine association with them.

Early History

Ukraine was under the rule of the Soviet Union (SU) before becoming a free state in 1991. More than 90% of Ukrainians voted for the autonomy of their country in a referendum (Kushnir 121). Ukraine became an associate of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a coalition of states under the previous SU. In 1994, Ukraine transferred its nuclear weapons to Russia and Russia acknowledged the sovereignty of the Ukrainian nation (Kushnir 121). The country joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) the same year to be part of the champions for cohesive activities.

Geography

Ukraine is a country found in the eastern parts of Europe. Ukraine neighbors Russia, Belorussia, Poland, Slovakia, and Moldavia, among other nations. The country is endowed with black soil, the choicest soil for farming (Mykhnenko 542). Ukraine’s weather varies from temperate to subtropical in different regions. More than 30 000 types of vegetation and 11 natural state conservations are in Ukraine (Mykhnenko 540). It is rich in minerals and supplies graphite to European states.

Economy

Ukraine is the most impoverished state in Europe and has a track record of subversion and misuse of resources. The state links Asia with Europe, and products mostly go through Ukraine to get to either of the continents (Mykhnenko 536). Agriculture is the backbone of the Ukrainian economy and forms part of 22% of its Gross Domestic Product (Mykhnenko 540). Ukraine is renowned for its wheat production, manufactures automobiles, provides minerals, and relies on tourism.

Recent History

Russian troops were lurking at the Ukrainian borders from 2021 and breached them in February 2022. Ukrainian infrastructure has been demolished by bombs in the war zones, leaving Ukrainians homeless with no source of income (Green et al. 10). Zaporizhzhia, an atomic power establishment, is now under Russia, threatening global security (Green et al. 14). Putin said he resists until Ukraine declares itself non-partisan and ceases negotiations with European and Western countries.

Russia took Crimea under its wing after the riots that removed Yanukovych from power in 2014. Russians are the dominant group in Crimea, but Crimea is within Ukraine’s territory (Fix 134). Russia supporters incited the masses against Ukraine, stating that the state discriminated against Russians, and Crimeans voted to be under Russia’s jurisdiction and not Ukraine’s (Fix 136). The move represented a threat to Ukraine as Crimea is one of its strongholds and within its territory.

In 2014, the Ukrainians overthrew the government of their then president, Yanukovych. Ukrainians voted Yakukovych into power as he pretended to be pro-European during the election period. However, after winning the election, Yanukovych was inactive in the European Union dialogues and publicly announced in 2013 that he would not sign the contract (Liu 10). His declaration of consolidating with the Eurasian Custom Union stirred the public to harmonious demonstrations (Liu 10). The use of military force to disband the protestors resulted in riots that ousted Yanukovych from his political seat.

Political Interference by Russia

Russia influences the Ukrainian political climate and presents a threat to Ukraine’s self-rule. In 2014, around 44% of Ukrainians were in support of Putin, and many Russian politicians sought Putin’s backing that year for popularity (Kushnir 126). The votes for Russia supporting candidates accounted for more than 30% of the total casted votes that year (Kushnir 126). Investigative analysts attest that the gas shortage in Ukraine from Russia during Yushchenko’s reign was to turn the tables in the next election, and it worked (Kushnir 125). Russian influence on Ukrainian elections increases their probability of getting a pro-Russian president who will be effective in implementing their demands.

Energy Reliance

Furthermore, Ukraine’s heavy dependency on Russia’s energy endangers its sovereignty. Kovalenko shows that Ukraine gets 49% gas, 65% diesel, and 40% petroleum from bordering states, including Russia (44). Despite the current Russian invasion of Ukraine, the gas from Russia transits through Ukraine, and Ukraine gets paid for its services. The culmination of the Nord Stream 2 in 2021, a pipeline that connects Russia and Germany, shifts the Ukrainian edge over Russia (Kovalenko 44). Fuel dependence caused an economic recession in Ukraine in 2008 when Russia halted its gas supply to the country (Kovalenko 45). Ukraine’s desperation and subservience negate its course for independence.

Strategic Positioning

Ukraine connects Russia with the other European nations. Currently, 80% of liquefied petroleum gas from Russia to Europe goes through Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 attempts to prevent Ukraine from establishing deeper diplomatic interrelations with Europe and America (Hunter 14). In 2013, Russia tried to gain control of Ukraine by luring Yakukovych to engage in Eurasian Custom Union dialogues (Mykhnenko 550). Many business moguls saw Ukraine as a safety net after Putin imprisoned Mikhail Khodorkovsky 2002, an oil tycoon for evading levy and corruption (Mykhnenko 548). Ukraine is the heart of Russia, and Putin cannot watch silently while its pulse fades.

Improving Political Structure

Political liberalization is advantageous in formulating and enacting policies to reduce political incompetency. Liu states that shaping the political climate of a nation requires investing at least 2.5% of the country’s gross domestic product in research and structural changes to provide instantaneous peak returns (15). In 2019, Servant of the People, a Ukrainian-based political party placed Volodymyr Zelensky in the presidential seat during the 2019 general election (Sazhniev and Sułkowska 320). In 2020, Ukraine’s leadership formulated an anti-corruption committee to enhance accountability and integrity in governance (Sazhniev and Sułkowska 312). The disadvantage of modifying the political structure is that it takes time to yield results due to an ineffective judicial structure, fostering injustice.

Seeking Alternative Energy Sources

Ukraine’s energy independence will keep it free from Russia’s manipulation and ensure economic sustainability. Kovalenko posits that in 2020, Russia’s fuel accounted for only 8% of the United Kingdom and 3% of United States oil, revealing that they have diversified their portfolio. Europe and US have stopped importing oil from Russia due to the ongoing war and rely on fuel from their reserves and International Energy Agency (Davydov et al. 6). Recently, the US assented to transmit 15 billion cubic meters of gas to European countries, and Ukraine could benefit from this pact (Davydov et al. 17). The con to seeking alternative energy sources is their high cost, and Ukraine may struggle to finance the transition due to poverty.

Involving Third Parties like the US

The United Nations (UN), the US, and other European countries will strengthen Ukraine’s resolve to remain free from Russian influence by providing material and social support. Green et al. project that Ukraine needs almost $20 billion to fund its war activities and aid its citizens (7). The US helped South Sudan become an independent state in 2011 by aiding the formulation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that provided the foundation for the referendum (Kuol 70). The US could provide material and social support to facilitate the current war and continue to deter Russia from business to weaken their resolve. Conversely, third-party associations will shift Ukraine’s dependency on Russia to other nations. Ukraine cannot fight against Russia by itself and must rely on external parties for sustenance.

Ukraine

Ukraine must consider its capacity to implement reforms that will reduce Russia’s interference. Liberalizing the political system requires heavy investment, and Ukraine cannot stop using Russia’s fuel immediately as it will take time to establish its reliance (Kovalenko 44). Ukraine still owes Russia $4.6 billion for gas, and its attempt to seek gas supply from Poland has not been seamless due to insufficient funds (Kovalenko 43). Including other nations in the fight for its independence has presented the country with numerous advantages, but it threatens its financial sustainability in the long run.

Europe

Moreover, Ukraine’s move toward independence affects Russia and other European states differently. Russia sees it as a threat to its potency in Europe and will fight to keep Ukraine within its grasp. Russia will not let Ukraine source energy from other nations unhinged as it will weaken its dependency (Kovalenko 46). Ukraine’s energy independence from Russia provides Poland with an opportunity for market expansion (Kovalenko 45). Europe will incur expenses in supporting Ukraine in the current war.

US, UN, and other Nations

The United States, UN, and other nations offer their support to Ukraine amidst various restrictions. The US cannot dispatch its troops to Ukraine to help them conquer as Russia will see them as an enemy and declare war on their country, leading to a nuclear war that would cripple the global economy (Hunter 20). Additionally, the UN does not have the force to stop Russia from fighting Ukraine but can only facilitate peace negotiations and humanitarian aid to those affected by the war (Hunter 21). If the third parties do not tread carefully, World War III could become a reality.

Prediction

Forecasts are vital in determining Ukraine’s stability and ensuring the reliability of external support networks. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has destabilized the nation, and many Ukrainians are escaping from their own countries. Green et al. suggest that a total of 5.4 million Ukrainians will have left their country by the end of this year (14). Ukrainian refugees will depopulate Ukraine by more than 10%, and a majority of them will not be part of the nation-building when the war ends. As a result, Ukraine will take longer to attain its economic independence after the war.

Ukraine will enjoy greater autonomy from Russia if it succeeds in getting Russia off its soil. Russia will take at least 10 years to recover from trade sanctions imposed by other nations (Davydov et al. 16). Numerous countries will shun engaging in business activities with Russia and cripple its economy (Davydov et al. 17). Russia may have to leave Ukrainian soil and negotiate for peaceful relations to save face.

Consequently, Ukraine will attain some degree of energy autonomy from Russia in years to come. Ukraine is slowly moving from fossil fuel to more eco-friendly energy sources in years to come (Hunter 12). Ukraine has lowered its gas consumption and widened the use of renewable energy. The country will draw its energy from solar, biogas, and nuclear systems (Hunter 12). Poland has the contract to supply Ukraine with liquefied petroleum gas. Shifting and diversifying energy sources portray progress in the Ukrainian attempt at freedom.

Conclusion

Ukraine should keep fighting for its independence from Russian influences as Russia has no respect for its sovereignty and initiated the current war with Ukraine. Russia has used various strategies to keep Ukraine under control, such as cutting off the gas supply. The state should integrate its political systems, formulate schemes to get energy from alternative means and seek the help of third parties to keep its autonomy.

Works cited

Davydov, Denis, et al. “Who Cares about Sanctions? Observations from Annual Reports of European Firms.”Post-Soviet Affairs, 2022, pp. 1–28.

Fix, Liana. “The Russia-Ukraine Conflict 2014: Germany as a Leading Power.”Germany’s Role in European Russia Policy, 2021, pp. 119–156.

Green, James A., et al. “Russia’s Attack on Ukraine and the Jus Ad Bellum.”Journal on the Use of Force and International Law, vol. 9, no. 1, 2022, pp. 4–30.

Hunter, Robert. “The Ukraine Crisis: Why and What Now?”Survival, vol. 64, no. 1, 2022, pp. 7–28.

Kovalenko, Alina. “Reliable Instrumental Metering of Natural Gas Is the Key to Ukraine’s Energy Independence.”Ukrainian Metrological Journal, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45–49.

Kuol, Luka Biong. “South Sudan: The Elusive Quest for a Resilient Social Contract?”Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding, vol. 14, no. 1, 2019, pp. 64–83.

Kushnir, Ostap. “The Great Dichotomy: How Experiences of History and Transcendence Explain Ukraine’s Political Life.”New Perspectives, vol. 30, no. 1, 2021, pp. 119–139.

Liu, Zixiu. “News Framing of the Euromaidan Protests in the Hybrid Regime and the Liberal Democracy: Comparison of Russian and UK News Media.”Media, War & Conflict, 2020, pp. 1–32.

Mykhnenko, Vlad. “Causes and Consequences of the War in Eastern Ukraine: An Economic Geography Perspective.”Europe-Asia Studies, vol. 72, no. 3, 2020, pp. 528–560.

Sazhniev, Mykhailo, and Joanna Sułkowska. “Russian Culture and Management of Meaning in Introduction of Political Influence in Ukraine.”Journal of International Studies, vol. 13, no. 1, 2020, pp. 310–323.

Click Here To Order Now!