Consider This from NPR The long history of Russia's broken promises to Ukraine
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Mar 21, 2025 
Sirhi Plahy, a Harvard historian specializing in Russia-Ukraine relations, discusses the historical context of Ukraine's skepticism towards Russia's peace promises. He highlights how Ukraine's 1991 independence and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, where they sacrificed nuclear arms for security, have shaped current distrust. Plahy emphasizes the emotional toll on Ukrainians dealing with past betrayals and their quest for self-reliance amid challenges in international support and ongoing negotiations, painting a harrowing picture of a nation grappling with its past.
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Ukraine's Independence
- In 1991, Ukraine declared independence from the crumbling Soviet Union.
- Ukrainians expressed joy at living without Moscow's control, celebrating a long-sought freedom.
Early Territorial Disputes
- Despite achieving independence, Ukrainians quickly became wary of Russia's potential territorial claims.
- These fears were soon validated by Russian spokesperson Boris Yeltsin, who made claims on Crimea and Donbass.
Budapest Memorandum
- The 1994 Budapest Memorandum saw Ukraine relinquish its nuclear arsenal in exchange for security assurances from Russia, the US, and the UK.
- Ukraine felt compelled to agree despite concerns about Russia's territorial ambitions, particularly regarding Crimea.