35 Questions
Vladimir Putin's narratives about history serve what purpose?
To manipulate events for his political agenda
What historical event does Putin consider a historical injustice?
The conquest of Ukrainian territories by Russian monarchs
What does the placement of statues of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great in Putin's Kremlin chambers symbolize?
Putin's admiration for Russian monarchs
Which country has launched an economic and information war against the West?
Russia
What commodities has Russia weaponized?
Energy and grain
What has Russia accused Ukraine of doing?
Committing atrocities
What has been the impact of Western sanctions on the Russian economy?
Plunge in growth rates
According to Putin's version of history, who converted to Christianity on behalf of all of ancient Rus in 988?
Vladimir the Great
Who was deputized by Putin to lead the Russian delegation in early talks with Ukraine?
Vladimir Medinsky
According to Putin, who destroyed the Russian empire by launching a revolution during World War I?
Vladimir Lenin
What does Putin claim NATO is a tool of?
U.S. imperialism
Which country has limited alternatives to replace Russian gas in the short term?
Germany
What is the main goal of Putin's campaign in Ukraine?
Ukrainian capitulation
Which nuclear power plant did Russia take over in Ukraine?
Zaporizhzhya
What tactic does Putin plan to use to make Europeans suffer during winter?
Gas shortage
Why does Putin consider Ukrainians to be Nazis?
Because they are zealous nationalists
What was Putin's problem with Ukraine wanting to associate with other entities or countries?
All of the above
What does Putin want to prevail in Europe's political present?
His version of history
What did Putin tell his Russian parliamentarians on July 7?
He is determined to fight to the end
According to Putin, why did Russia invade Ukraine?
To prevent Ukraine from joining NATO
What did Putin tell Russian parliamentary leaders about the war in Ukraine?
It was unleashed by the collective West
How does Putin view Ukraine's national identity?
He tries to erase it
What does Putin compare Ukraine to?
A colony
What is the main goal of Russia in its war with Ukraine?
To undermine the Ukrainian government and leave Ukraine economically inviable
What is the likely next target for Russia after taking Odessa and other Black Sea ports?
Kyiv
Which country has backed Russia rhetorically, refused to impose sanctions, and supported it in the United Nations?
China
What impact could domestic politics have on the duration of the war in Ukraine?
Lengthen the war
Which major powers are able to talk to all parties in the Middle East region's disputes?
Russia
Which country is seen as a champion of the oppressed against the stereotype of U.S. imperialism?
Russia
Which country has increased its influence in Latin America as more left-wing governments have come to power?
Russia
Which country is viewed by many in the global South as the heir to the Soviet Union?
Russia
Why did Marine Le Pen's extreme-right party increase its seats in the June 2022 parliamentary elections in France?
Due to voters' unhappiness with their economic situation
What is the Kremlin's aim in relation to Western unity against Russia?
To fracture it under the pressure of energy shortages, high prices, and economic hardship
What is the reason for skepticism about the depth of active support for Putin's war in Russia?
Many people who oppose the war have left the country
Who are the conscripts who have been sent to fight and die in Russia's war?
They are from poor, rural areas and many of them are not ethnically Russian
Study Notes
Putin's Manipulation of History in the Ukraine Conflict
- Putin uses his own version of history to justify his actions and maintain his legitimacy.
- He has a deep obsession with Russia's imperial past and strategically places statues of Russian monarchs in his Kremlin chambers.
- Putin has appropriated Ukraine's history and claimed figures like Vladimir the Great as Russian, not Ukrainian.
- He has doubled down on his historical arguments since the war in Ukraine began.
- Putin blames the Bolsheviks for separating Russian territories and creating Ukraine.
- He portrays NATO as a tool of U.S. imperialism and claims Russia had to invade Ukraine to prevent it from joining NATO.
- Putin believes Ukraine is a "colony" and likens himself to Peter the Great in reclaiming Russian control over land.
- Putin's attempts to erase Ukrainian national identity have instead strengthened it, particularly around the Ukrainian language.
- He frequently references World War II and portrays the invasion of Ukraine as a liberation from Nazis.
- Putin labels Ukrainians as Nazis because they refuse to admit they are Russians.
- Internationally, Putin's assertions about NATO and proxy wars have found support, but domestically his claims about Ukrainian Nazis have gained traction.
- Putin wants his version of history to prevail in Europe's political present and is willing to fight to the end in Ukraine.
"Ukrainian Crisis: Understanding the Stakes and Challenges" - Test your knowledge on the ongoing Ukrainian crisis, including the regions involved and the potential outcomes of negotiations with Russia. Explore the role of Western support in Ukraine's defense and security.
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