Conflict and Allegiance: The Cossacks' Struggle

This chapter examines the historical complexities of the Orthodox Slavs' relationship with Russia during the era of Peter the Great, focusing on key figures like Kimoninsky and Ivan Mazepa. It discusses the Cossacks' fight for autonomy amidst political turmoil, their interactions with Poland and Sweden, and the harsh realities of broken promises by Russian leadership. The chapter encapsulates the social, political, and ethnic tensions of 18th-century Eastern Europe and reflects on the Cossacks' legacy in later conflicts.