Ukraine Flashcards
(9 cards)
Ukraine Perspective
Outline
Zelensky quotes
“The future…
“We Ukrainians…
Ukraine perceives Russia’s invasion not just as a territorial assault but as an attempt to erase Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent state. Ukrainian officials consistently portray the conflict as one between freedom and tyranny, democracy and authoritarianism.
Zelensky, in his UN address, stated: “The future of the world order depends on Ukraine standing firm against Russian aggression” (UN General Assembly, 2022).
“We Ukrainians are a peaceful nation. But if we remain silent today, we will be gone tomorrow.” During a 2022 televised speech.
Interests
Ukraine’s national interests as a state actor are fundamentally driven by the preservation of territorial integrity, the assurance of national security, the urgency of economic survival, alignment with Western political institutions, and the pursuit of international justice.
- NATO membership
Zelenskyy reaffirmed in March 2023, “Our goal is membership in NATO. We want to join the alliance, and this will guarantee Ukraine’s security and the security of Europe.” - Full Russian withdrawal and return of annexed lands
President Zelenskyy has declared that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreements negotiated without its direct involvement, stating, “We cannot accept it, as an independent country.”
Response 1. mobilised a national response
- mobilised a national response
Imposing martial law on February 24, 2022, and initiating widespread conscription measures. By the end of 2022, Ukraine had mobilized over one million people into its armed forces, including regular military, territorial defense units, and volunteer formations (Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, 2023).
Response 2. Diplomatic outreach
- Diplomatic outreach
Ukraine engaged in diplomatic outreach, rapidly securing billions in military aid and financial support from the United States, EU, and other allies. By the end of 2023, Ukraine had received over $170 billion in external assistance (Kiel Institute for the World Economy, 2024).
Response 3. Pursued war crimes documentation and legal actions
- Pursued war crimes documentation and legal actions
Ukraine pursued war crimes documentation and legal actions, cooperating with the ICC, UN investigators, and NGOs. By 2024, over 95,000 alleged Russian war crimes had been registered by Ukrainian authorities (Ukraine Prosecutor General’s Office, 2024).
Success of military operation
Ukraine’s military defense exceeded expectations globally, maintaining government continuity and territorial integrity in the face of a superpower invasion. As of February 2025, Ukraine retains over 80% of its pre-2014 borders (ISW 2025 Mapping Project).
Diplomatic success
Diplomatic success translated into critical material outcomes: Ukraine received $170 billion in aid, with U.S. support alone amounting to $75 billion by late 2024 (Kiel Institute, 2024). This enabled Ukraine to acquire HIMARS systems, NASAMS air defenses, and Leopard 2 tanks, which proved decisive during the 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive that recaptured over 6,000 square kilometers in less than three weeks (BBC War Analysis, 2022).
Success of war crime documentation
War crimes documentation has produced major legal victories: the ICC issued arrest warrants against Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023 for unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children (ICC Press Release, 2023).
However, as of 2025, no senior Russian officials have been extradited, showing the gap between legal victories and practical enforcement.
Impacts of interests on the conflict
NATO membership –> led to the beginning of the conflict –> has caused a prolongment of the conflict
Maintaining sovereignty –> diplomatic raising of funds –> effective military response/counteroffensives –> Prevented a Russian takeover
