Empire 95. The History of Putin's War
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Nov 7, 2023 
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian renowned for her expertise on Eastern Europe, delves into Ukraine's tumultuous history. She discusses the impact of WWII on Ukraine and the complex dynamics of post-Stalin political evolution. Applebaum highlights the significance of the Maidan Revolution in igniting resistance against Russian influence and examines Volodymyr Zelensky's leadership during the ongoing invasion. The conversation also addresses broader geopolitical ramifications and the challenges of securing peace amid continuing hostilities.
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Poland's Double Invasion
- In 1939, Poland was invaded twice, first by Germany, then by the Soviet Union.
- Eastern Poland was incorporated into the Soviet Republic of Ukraine, where it remains today.
Soviet and German Occupation of Ukraine
- The Soviet occupation led to mass murder and deportation of Poles.
- This was followed by the German occupation and attacks on Jews, marking the center of the Holocaust in Ukraine.
German Occupation and the Hunger Plan
- Initially, some Ukrainians welcomed the Germans, seeing them as an improvement over the Soviets.
- However, the Germans held Ukraine in low regard and implemented the Hunger Plan, aiming to starve Ukrainians.
