The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has deep historical, cultural, and geopolitical roots. A major point of contention is the legacy of Kievan Rus (882–1240 CE)—the first East Slavic state. Both Russians and Ukrainians claim it as their historical and cultural foundation, fueling modern nationalist narratives.
Russian historians and nationalists argue that:
Kievan Rus was the origin of the Russian state and identity.
Moscow, which rose to power after Kyiv's decline, was the legitimate successor of Kievan Rus.
The term "Rus'" was later applied to the Grand Duchy of Moscow, evolving into Russia.
Kyiv is the "mother of Russian cities", and its cultural heritage belongs to the Russian world (Русский мир).
Ukraine was historically part of a united Rus' people and only developed a separate identity later.
Political Implications:
Ukrainian historians and nationalists argue that:
Kievan Rus' culture, language, and traditions were distinct from those of Moscow.
After the Mongol invasion, Kyiv's traditions continued in the Ukrainian lands, not Moscow.
The Moscow state (which later became Russia) developed separately, under Mongol and Tatar influence.
The Ukrainian language and identity evolved from the dialects spoken in Kievan Rus, not from Muscovy.
Russia appropriated the history of Kievan Rus to justify imperial expansion.
Political Implications:
Russia uses history to claim Ukraine as part of its "historical lands."
Ukraine sees Kievan Rus as proof of its ancient sovereignty and independence.
The fight over history fuels modern nationalism, geopolitical struggles, and war narratives.
What Was Kievan Rus?
- A medieval East Slavic state founded by the Varangians (Vikings) in the late 9th century, with Kyiv as its capital.
- Its rulers, including Prince Vladimir the Great (who Christianized Rus in 988 CE) and Yaroslav the Wise, laid the foundations of Slavic culture, Orthodox Christianity, and governance.
- After the Mongol invasion in 1240, Kievan Rus disintegrated into multiple states, including:
- Moscow (which later became Russia)
- Halych-Volhynia (which evolved into Ukraine and Belarus)
Russian View: Kievan Rus as the Birthplace of Russia
Russian historians and nationalists argue that: Kievan Rus was the origin of the Russian state and identity. Moscow, which rose to power after Kyiv's decline, was the legitimate successor of Kievan Rus. The term "Rus'" was later applied to the Grand Duchy of Moscow, evolving into Russia. Kyiv is the "mother of Russian cities", and its cultural heritage belongs to the Russian world (Русский мир). Ukraine was historically part of a united Rus' people and only developed a separate identity later.Political Implications:
- Vladimir Putin has used this argument to justify Russian claims over Ukraine, stating that "Russians and Ukrainians are one people."
- The annexation of Crimea (2014) and the invasion of Ukraine (2022) were partially justified using this historical claim.
Ukrainian View: Kievan Rus as the Foundation of Ukraine
Ukrainian historians and nationalists argue that: Kievan Rus' culture, language, and traditions were distinct from those of Moscow. After the Mongol invasion, Kyiv's traditions continued in the Ukrainian lands, not Moscow. The Moscow state (which later became Russia) developed separately, under Mongol and Tatar influence. The Ukrainian language and identity evolved from the dialects spoken in Kievan Rus, not from Muscovy. Russia appropriated the history of Kievan Rus to justify imperial expansion.Political Implications:
- Ukrainian identity is strongly tied to Kyivan heritage, emphasizing its distinctiveness from Russia.
- The conflict with Russia is framed as resistance against Russian imperialism, dating back centuries.
The Modern Conflict & Kievan Rus' Legacy
Russia uses history to claim Ukraine as part of its "historical lands."Ukraine sees Kievan Rus as proof of its ancient sovereignty and independence.
The fight over history fuels modern nationalism, geopolitical struggles, and war narratives.
