Ukraine case study

Ukraine - Causes and challenges to government

Ukraine’s sovereignty is challenged by its geopolitical position between Russia and the EU, internal ethnic divisions, and external pressure from powerful international actors such as Russia and NATO

Why is Ukraine’s geographical position a challenge?

It lies between Russia and the EU, making it a geopolitical buffer zone and a site of competing influence between East and West
Lies on flat ground so seen as a way to defend Russia from western influence as if it wasn’t there / on Russia’s side, then Russia would be very vulnerable to attack

How do ethnic divisions challenge Ukraine’s sovereignty?

There is a divide between Ukrainian-speaking western regions (pro-EU) and Russian-speaking eastern regions (more pro-Russia), weakening national unity

Results of Euromaiden protests

Mass protests in 2013–2014 against the Ukrainian government; violent suppression led to over 100 deaths and the collapse of the pro-Russian government

What happened when Russia annexed Crimea?

In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea, resulting in a major loss of Ukrainian territory and a direct challenge to sovereignty

What is the Donbas conflict?

A separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine supported by Russia after 2014, leading to ongoing instability and war in the region

Ukraine Cause: Geopolitical Position

Ukraine acts as a "shatterbelt" or buffer zone between the Russian sphere of influence and Western organizations (NATO/EU)

For Russia, Ukraine acts as a critical "land bridge" and a source of strategic depth, protecting the Russian heartland from potential Western invasion. If this buffer zone disappears, the lack of natural geographic barriers (like mountains) makes the region a permanent "clash point" for global superpowers.

Ukraine Cause: Strategic Assets

Russia annexed Crimea to secure the warm-water Port of Sevastopol for year-round naval access to the Black Sea
allows it to access Mediterranean and middle east

Ukraine Cause: Energy Transit

Ukraine is a critical "transit state" for Russian gas pipelines to Europe. Russia cut off gas supplies to punish Ukraine and turn its European allies against it.

However in January 2025, the historic transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine wasn’t renewed, meaning the EU no longer depends on Russia for oil. It’s also resulted in Russia losing billions in annual revenue.

Ukraine Cause: The "Near Abroad"

• Originating in the early 1990s, the "Near Abroad" describes Russia’s view of former Soviet republics as a privileged zone of influence where it maintains the right to intervene to protect ethnic Russians and exclude Western alliances like NATO or the EU.

• This doctrine has been used to frame actions not as international wars, but as internal regional policing.

Ukraine Cause: Ethnic Disunity

Internal divide between Ukrainian-speaking West (pro-EU) and Russian-speaking East (pro-Russia) weakens national sovereignty

In recent times this divide has been narrowed, with 80% of all Ukrainians looking at Russia negatively

Ukraine Trigger: Euromaidan

2013-14 protests sparked by the government's decision to reject an EU deal in favor of Russian ties

The protests called for the resignation of Yanukovych and the Azarov government. Protesters opposed what they saw as widespread government corruption and abuse of power, police brutality, and human rights violations. A large, barricaded protest camp occupied central Kyiv throughout the 'Maidan Uprising'.

Ukraine Impact: Displacement

Over 1.5 million Internally Displaced People (IDPs) forced to flee; 13,000+ deaths in the Donbas region by 2021

Ukraine Impact: Environment

Military activity in industrial Donbas caused flooding risks and toxic contamination of soil and water

Ukraine - Impacts on people

The conflict in Ukraine has caused large-scale deaths, displacement, human rights violations, and reduced public trust in the state

How many people were killed in the Donbas conflict?

By 2021, over 13,000 people had been killed, including civilians and combatants

How many people were displaced in Ukraine?

Over 1.5 million internally displaced people (IDPs) have been forced to flee their homes

What human rights issues occurred in Crimea?

Reports include persecution of minorities, suppression of Ukrainian language, and restrictions on media freedom

How did people view Ukraine’s parliament?

A 2021 poll showed only 19% of citizens believed Ukraine’s parliament was trustworthy

What was support for separatism in Donbas?

In 2014, around 31% of people in Donbas supported separation from Ukraine

How many civilian casualties occurred (2014–2021)?

Over 3,000 civilian deaths occurred due to ongoing conflict

Ukraine - Impacts on places

The conflict has caused territorial loss, economic decline in industrial regions, and environmental damage

What territory did Ukraine lose?

Ukraine lost Crimea in 2014 due to Russian annexation

How was the Donbas region economically affected?

It is a key industrial region, but conflict destroyed factories, mines, and infrastructure, collapsing production. The region lost over half of its steel-making power, turning a global industrial hub into a zone of economic de-industrialization.

What was the national economic impact?

Damage to Donbas industries significantly weakened Ukraine’s national economy

GDP down by 17%

What environmental impacts occurred?

Military activity caused flooding risks and contamination of soil and water with industrial chemica