“Put these seeds in your pocket so at least sunflowers will grow where you lie” just gave me chills

in 1939, Stalin thought the Finns would welcome a Soviet invasion, especially the Red Finns who had lost the civil war a few years earlier. However, being Finnish was more important and so you had the reds and the whites coming together against a foreign foe as Finns. Very few collaborated and the Soviet losses were devastating. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.

Great bit of work I live the comparisons you draw which make it so much more simple to understand

Why is NATO so obsessed to extend next to Russia's border? #🤔

Hey Vlad, you should make Russia a province of Mongolia if you want to repeat the history again.

You can't just occupy a country because your ancestors lived there 2000 years ago

As long as his last scene does not include a Nuke, If so it will be everyone's last scene.

Three words to summarize the motive: “Warsaw Pact, NATO”, the rest just read your history book, you would understand why he did it. Just read up

I Left Ukraine as a 7 year old in 2002 - He is right in the sense that Russia and Ukraine are very intertwined, many of my relatives had moved there from Russia. However, Ukraine was always its own entity and constantly fought for its own freedoms throughout history. My mum had always hated Putin 🤣I didn't really ever fully understand why until 2014 and onwards.

I'm not a fan of the conservatives but I do applaud Stephen Harper for refusing Putin's handshake and telling him to "get out of Crimea" in 2014, long before it was "fashionable"

actually his not obsessed his just protecting himself from the US

One man can cause hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions to suffer ever lasting pain and sorrow. We are a strange species.

Seeing toddlers being carried in active war zones is some of the most terrible imagery I could ever imagine

"At least put these seeds in your pockets so that sunflowers will grow where you lie." That's raw.

So, this actually wasnt about a perceived obssesion or, logically following, reasons for the invasion. There was however, much projection!

The logic of "we share the same ethnicity and language therefore we are one country" is not only an overly simplistic one but one that contradicts history in many ways... the Singaporean PM was the one who spoke out against that and you can't help but think that many Asian countries are worried

I guess by Putin’s logic then Italy has a right to take over all of France, Spain, North Africa and England because the Roman Empire owned all of it…

I am Ukrainian , seeing first days of war brought all this memories and made me cry . Thank you for coverage

Well, that's one version of history. The truth is never buried deep.

0:40 The funny part about that is that those guys were called the _Kievan Rus'_ or _Kyivan Rus'_ and when you look at their seals you can clearly see who has the heritage today. So one could argue that there's a stronger argument to be made for Russia to the part of Ukraine than vise versa...

To follow Putin's "logic", Ukraine is the parent country. Putin should resign in favor of Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia should be handed over to Ukraine, and the capitol should be moved to Kyiv.

As a former 2 year old, I feel the man's pain.

But where is the Donbass' part of this story? Why not even a word about it?

What art is shown at 0:46?

Another interesting historical fact to consider to add to this all: The Cyrillic alphabet used by both Russia and Ukraine, originated in what is now Southern Bulgaria/Northern Greece, commissioned during the First Bulgarian Empire. Our histories are intertwined, sure, but we also have a right to shape our histories going forward. I guess by Putin’s logic, Bulgaria should be annexing all Slavic countries still using Cyrillic today as part of a New Bulgarian Empire, because hey, we gave y’all the gift of writing, which led to your literature, and hence helped shape your cultures. Seems logical to me! (Sarcasm, if it wasn’t evident)

Another key detail not covered is that Ukraine was acknowledged as a "separate" and "voluntary" country within the USSR - as on paper its constitution allowed for independence any time it wished. The problem was any Ukraine actually working for independence was either arrested or assassinated.

He's more obsessed with not finishing what he started, this is not going to end well for everyone

Thank you for this great resumé of the situation.

I recall a failed painter using the same phrase "historycal land" "restore our nations territory" . Things didnt go well for him.

Now he is thinking: "If I can't get Ukraine no one else will"

Just saying when they do eventually make a movie/tv series about this, it's going to be absolute fire

I loved that Shakespeare comparison! but to think that there's still three more scenes to come is frightening

Putin isn't just obsessed about Ukraine. It just happened to be the first country on his shopping list, that he thought would be a pushover. Of course, now that it isn't he knows that losing there also means losing power, and possibly his life too. Hence the reason he will never stop of his own free will.

As a Ukrainian I’m very glad that west now see all those crazy history speculations and other reality that russia build inside it’s own country and society. There is much more things to know about why we are absolutely different people with Russians and why we newer been their allie or part of territory. We always was a forced victim and couldn’t resist without help but now we are not alone. As all other Ukrainians, I’m sure that with our will to fight and you help we will finally break that endless circle of forced « friendships » with them. And look like we are already wining.

here after the absurd interview of Carlson - Putin, basically Putin reiterated the same ideas. Spent half an hour talking history just as this correspondent explained. Putin is a madman

I think this is a reminder for us all to be more concise and clear when speaking in public 😂

Vladimir Putin is a lunatic . I admire the Ukrainian citizens fighting for their country🙏 .

Putin is like an abusieve ex husband that cant take it that his partner left him because it wanted a better life.

I was just wondering why the UK is so obsessed with Crimea? At this point it’s pathological. Russia and Ukraine I understand, the history and geography makes it a sensitive area but Crimea and UK???? It’s bonkers

Excellent summary, thank you. Slava Ukraini!

Is not important what he wants, Important is what people wants!! It’s just a sick ambition if one man

This claim to Ukraine and its heritage on the basis of a history-inspired fan fiction is pretty much like either Portugal or Romania proclaiming itself the sole successor to the Roman Empire and claiming Rome (and all of modern Italy, of course) based on that

He is not obsessed. The real question is why NATO, mostly their master US, wanna get near Russia.

Thank you for this great information

Ukraine has just about everything. Major sea port terminals, flat & rich soil, grain & other stuff. Several nuclear powerplants. Untapped natural gas & oil.

That elderly Ukrainian woman at 8:55 is a legend. The Russian soldiers should have listened to her.

His main problem is ukraine joining nato. That would make moscow very vulnerable and be a huge risk for their national security.

Why the States are so obsessed is the other question!

Something important to know, for all who are interested in history and/or support Ukraine: Rus’ ought not to be confused with “Russia”, which derives its name from the Rus’ but historically is a completely different state, which almost all its existence was at war with the Rus’. Just like the Holy Roman Empire was actually Germany, Russia is actually Muscovy, despite their best attempts to convince everybody otherwise. Its name “Russia" received only in 1721, when Peter I passed a decree to change Tsardom of Muscovy’s name into the “Russian” Empire (“Russia” originates from Rosia, name used by the Greek Orthodox Clergy in regards to Kyivan Rus') Under the reign of Cathrine II Muscovites where even punished for continuing to identify as Muscovites, and were forced to call themselves “Russian”. Lands that “Russia” claims were part of the original Rus’, but actually weren't, are Novgorod, Suzdal, and Ryazan, since in historical texts of XI-XII centuries they are mentioned as separate entities from Rus’. They can be considered parts of extended Rus’, although their culture was distinct from main Rus’. In 1493 Moscow prince Ivan III appointed himself to be the Great Ruler of All Rus’. No other kings acknowledged that. From that point on Muscovy started to make false claims on Rus’ ownership. “Russia” is an offshoot of Ukraine and not the other way round, despite what Soviet and “Russian” historians have been trying to say for years. Kiev was a developed cultured capital when Moscow was just another swamp village. Germany used to call itself the Holy Roman Empire, that didn’t mean they became the Romans, and all of a sudden had a right to claim whole of Italy and its history, but yet, that’s exactly what “Russia” did in regards to Rus’-Ukraine, which is a horrible injustice!

The poor guy hasn’t picked up a new time zone in such a long time…

He's not

The same reason the United States was obsessed with Cuba getting nuclear weapons from the Soviets. Ukraine offered to be a nuclear arsenal on Russia's border. They find it to be unacceptable just like Kennedy found nuclear weapons in Cuba to be unacceptable.

Seriously...? "We are one people"... And if you don't like it, I will destroy you all?

Freedom to Ukraine from Bosnia 💛💙

Thank you for clear concise and un-emotional reporting on a complex subject matter from a seasoned experienced reporter.

The big worry that I don't think anyone wants to think about is when he does fall, how many people he takes with him.

I still have hope that the Western world will put liberty over comfort and that Putler won't divide us. We need to constantly speak up against the Kremlin regime and support Ukraine. Slava Ukraini !

7:50 This minister actually messes up a moment before this and says he supports the annexation of Luhansk and Donetsk. It's pretty incredible

Excellent, informative and convincing video!

perfectly well described!

Based on the fighting, Ukrainians and Russians are NOT the same.

The real question is, why Russia is so obsessed to Putin?

brotherly.....yes how brutal insane you treat your brother...

The question rises: why??? Out of nowhere Putin started war just like that huh??? We perfectly understand that there won’t be any reaction without an action, thus where is “the other side of the coin” you are not telling or skipping?!?!?!?

That winter was on fire.. Glory to the Heros.. Rest in peace Serhiy 🇺🇦🇺🇦

My take from this video: Ukraine has a claim on Russia...

I absolutely LOVE videos like this! Thought provoking, informative, gripping and immensely educational! Looking forward to many more.👍🏾🇬🇧

nice summary!

He's not obsessed with ukraine, he's obsessed with himself

The real question in historical justification is determining when history should start. Usually it is when your people are on top. If one really looks at the History of the Ukraine, one learns that that the Ukraine was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which also included large chunks of Belorussia, while Russia was under the thumb of the Golden Horde. Ukraine later became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which at one time occupied Moscow. During this period the borders moved bak and forth depending upon the fortunes of the various neighbors - Russians, swedes, Cossacks, Ottoman Turks, Magyars, etc. Over the course of the late 18th Century Poland/Lithuania and the Ukraine were partitioned between Austria-Hungary, Germany and Russia. In the case of the Ukraine, it was split with Austria Hungary getting the western portion formerly known as Galacia/Ruthenia and Russia taking the Eastern portion. The Crimea was original a titular part of the Ottoman Empire and home to the Tartar remnants of the Golden Horde and routinely pillage by Cossacks from the Zaprorhizia region of the Ukraine. So, who truly owns the Ukraine? Poland? Lithuania? Turkey? The Tartars, The Cossacks? Or, in accordance with the Right to Self-Determination enshrined in the UN Charter, the Ukrainian people?

Bruh who made the title for this video ,sounds like a pathetic counter argument a gen z person would make.

WoW, as a Ukrainian I’m very grateful for enlightening the real! history, the real reasons and problems in this awful war that russia has started. Thank you so much for such quality content

The Russians expected to be greeted with bread and salt. Well the salt they got. Rubbed in their wounds.

Glory and freedom to Ukraine. 🇬🇧🛡️🇺🇦

Why does this documentary gives a sort of Loki vibes. Lol

6:06 Belgium: hold my croissant

Interestingly, the term Ukraine appears for the first time in the Hypatian Chronicle in 1187. Russia did not exist. The term Russia appears 400 years later during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. Ukraine is my ancestral homeland 💙💛 Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦💙💛

A dictator, war criminal and corrupt politician walk into a bar. The bartender asks : What would you like to drink, Mr Putin.

That’s sort of like asking, why is England so obsessed with Sussex, or why is the U.S. so obsessed with Virginia?

One year ago it did indeed look like that, now I think we are towards act one of the new drama: war comes back to Europe, Vladimir the Second's quest to revive the Russian empire. Putin is not going anywhere.

Guess Italy should invade most of Europe, North Africa, and east bank since its all Roman

“Our Armed forces are brothers in Arms” 😂 Except Ukraine is the brother who knows how to fight 😂

Wow not a single mention of NATOs creeping borders in this whole small explanation. Rigirious and thoroughly exploritative journalism from the Guardian as I would expect........

Thank you so much I have learnt so much from this ..

Great storytelling! Very well put together and narrated.

I'm very happy to see that Ukrainians are fighting back and regaining lost territories and what a joy to see Ukrainians with relieve and excitement to greet their liberators. Slava Ukraine and may God bless the army ! 😊🙏

I believe you missed the 2016-2020 period.

Just to be fair - St. Sophia you are showing is a recent rebuild form 17/18 centuries. Old Kievan Rus churches looked noting like this baroque building. Original Sophia was badly damaged by Batu Khan. But thanks for the video.

I’m so proud of Ukrainians!!! Long live peace !!!

It has nothing to do with romance or history - its just because most of Russia is landlocked/icelocked and the only sea access it has is to go through EU waters. He wants access to Crimea waters and he wants to block Kazakhstan from free flow to Europe without Russia's say-so and that it will be the only country that can supply gas/oil to Europe

That's one way to see it.

That's like asking "Why is GB so obsessed with the Falklands?" or "Why the USA is so obsessed with the ME"?

You can’t just declare regions of another country “independent nations.” Like imagine if the US declared British Columbia an independent nation and then just invaded Canada.

It wasn’t called Kyivan Rus’. I was just Rus’. The former term is a Soviet invention, a misnomer, to separate the history of Rus’ from its origins in Kyiv and make russia the “true” descendants of that state. It’s important to note that the word ‘russian’ was in fact stolen from Ukrainian history, just like russians are looting stuff now from the occupied territories.

I understand that it is also very much an energy grab from what I have read, with the modern techniques of fracking now available large gas deposits in the Black Sea basin can be accessed, and of course Russia wants a deep sea port for its Navy that doesn't freeze over in the winter. But that is not what this micro doco is about.

The title should be "Why is the USA so obsessed with Ukraine?"

As a Ukrainian, let me re-emphasize: we have never been one country, we have never been allies or friends or brotherly nations. It has always been an empire-colony relationship. And it must be stopped. We never wanted and will never want to be w/ ruzzia in any kind of "friendship"or union, in any shape or form. And I am still shocked how the civilised world simply ignored our 44-million people country (like the biggest country in Europe), looked at us only through the moscovia's imperialistic lense, and never looked at us as an independent sovereign state which we fought to be, and let the history be the witness, we fought so hard. Ps. ruzzia loving trolls in the comments, you're какашки.

Historically Russia is Viking land ....I don't really know if we want it back thou :)

Why was John F.Kennedy so obsessed with Kuba?

great analysis...the begining of the end, it is.