Ukraine and Russia Conflict: Ukraine - Russia Relationship

Until Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014, the two countries maintained relations that at times were testy, but manageable. But following Moscow's annexation of Crimea, writes Steven Pifer, attitudes within Ukraine toward Russia have hardened to a consider­able degree, and the appeal of Western institutions such as the European Union and NATO has grown. This piece originally appeared in The Ambassadors Review, the foreign affairs journal of the Council of American Ambassadors

Explaining the two countries’ intertwined histories, the armed conflicts in Crimea and the Donbas region, and disputes over gas supplies.

Background on Ukraine's struggle to forge an independent path, torn between Europe and the United States in the West and its long-standing ties to Russia in the East.

The article reports that the Soviet Union seemed to augur an era of peace and cooperation as the Cold War was over, Europe was whole and free, and Russia moving toward democracy and a free-market economy held the promise of becoming member of the global community. Topics include considered that the international community's focus was on Russia, a key factor for realizing the West's aspirations was dependent on the development of Ukraine and its relationship with Russia.

Russian attempts to control Ukraine and Kyiv’s decision to choose fight over flight are not new. A look at history tells a lot of this has happened already.

For more than three decades, NATO has tried to build a partnership with Russia, developing dialogue and practical cooperation in areas of common interest.