The Intelligence from The Economist Back to the USSR: Russia and Ukraine
Dec 20, 2021
Arkady Ostrovsky, Russia and Eastern Europe editor for The Economist, and Callum Williams, Senior economics writer for The Economist, delve into the historical roots of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, tracing back to the fall of the Soviet Union. They discuss how Russia's refusal to accept Ukraine's independence has shaped current tensions. Switching gears, they explore the evolution of dining, from basic food vendors to experiential restaurants, altered by pandemic-related shifts. They also recommend noteworthy books that engage with today's critical social issues.
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Putin's Soviet Nostalgia
- Putin's actions in Ukraine trace back to the 1991 dissolution of the Soviet Union.
- He seemingly regrets this event and desires to restore Russia's former influence.
The Belovezha Accords
- In 1991, leaders of Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia met at a hunting lodge.
- They agreed to dissolve the Soviet Union, leading to Gorbachev's resignation.
Reasons for Dissolution
- The dissolution of the Soviet Union stemmed from economic struggles and Ukraine's independence referendum.
- Yeltsin prioritized Russia's economic reforms, while Ukraine asserted its sovereignty.
