ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to clarify the Russo-Ukrainian relationship by examining its historical development. Western observers and many Russians, too, must understand that Ukrainian nationalism is deeply rooted, drawing its strength not simply from centuries of ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic development, but from decades of human suffering in the Soviet period. The chapter speculates about why the collapse of communism came as a surprise to virtually all observers and examines the major causes of post-Soviet acrimony. It explores the dispute over Ukraine's nuclear weapons, arguing that Russo-Ukrainian tensions directly threaten global order and international security. Indeed, considering the half-lives of the isotopes involved, they may be the most durable legacy of the communist system. Russo-Ukrainian relations seem likely to deteriorate over the long term as both countries experience rising unemployment, inflation, crime, corruption, and environmental destruction. Both Russia and Ukraine are reducing their military budgets, cutting manpower, slashing perquisites, training less intensively, and experiencing a steady decline in combat readiness.
