In today's exchange with members of the Russian House of Public, Putin specifically mentioned the issue of Ukraine, and his rhetoric revealed the idea that Ukraine did not exist in the conception of the Russian Empire.
In Putin's remarks, the word "empire" catches the eye. However, judging by the historical civilization of Russia and the basis of the existence of the state, such an opinion seems inevitable. "In the history of the Russian Empire, the concept of Ukraine did not exist. Ukraine, as we know it today, was formed during the Soviet era, and in order to create this state, a large amount of land, including the territory of South Russia, was sacrificed. ”
In the early days of the conflict, German Chancellor Soltz compared Putin to a tsar rather than a modern one. But this may not be the image that Putin is deliberately pursuing. From a historical point of view, the key to Russia's ability to have such a vast territory, unlike other fragmented countries in Europe, is its highly centralized social management system. If Russia adopts the Western system, it can lead to the country falling into chaos and falling apart in turmoil and war.
At the end of the last century, Russia's first ** tried to reform, but in the end Russia chose to correct itself and return to tradition. In 2013, Putin declared Orthodox Christianity the state religion, and then in 2014, the Crimean crisis and the Ukrainian civil war broke out, which continued until the current Russia-Ukraine war. These events may seem accidental, but are they really just accidents?
NATO's eastward expansion is putting pressure on Russia's geosecurity, but more importantly is Russia's tendency to return to tradition. The Orthodox Church, although it belongs to the ** religion, is similar in its aggressiveness to Western countries, and the Mongol genes give Russia a strong possession of the land.
Putin's point of view that "there is no Ukraine in the Russian Empire" may have profound significance both in history and in reality. Therefore, in dealings with Russia, it is necessary to maintain an appropriate distance. History always repeats itself in some way, just with a different face. This is the river of civilization, which flows forever.