VCE Politics 2026 Unit 3 AOS 2: Russia-Ukraine Armed Conflict

How many deaths have resulted from the Russia-Ukraine conflict so far?

Over 1.5 million.

What is the East/West Divide in Ukraine?

2/3 of Ukrainians speak Ukraine, and most live in the West, whilst 1/3 speak Russian and live in the East. Ukraine ‘has never been and is not yet a coherent national unit with a common narrative or a set of more or less commonly shared political aspirations.’- Leonid?

What did Putin say about Ukrainian nationality?

‘Russians and Ukrainians [are] one people- a single whole.’- Putin 2021.

What is the United Nation’s perspective on the conflict?

The UNGS passed a resolution in early 2022 demanding Russia withdraw from Ukraine. Of 181 votes, 141 voted for, 35 abstained and 5 voted against. ‘No territorial acquisition resulting from the resulting from the threat or use of force shall be recognized as legal.’ Russia vetoes all UNSC resolutions.

What is the response of the European Union of the conflict?

The EU has given over 88 billion Euros in the first 2 years of the conflict (European Commission, 2024). They activated a temporary protection directive in early 2022 for fleeing Ukrainians. As of November 2023, 4.2 million Ukrainians had been granted protection.

What is the EU’s Russia-Ukraine conflict quote?

‘We condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprecedented military aggression against Ukraine’ as ‘grossly violating international law and undermining European and global security and stability.’ (European Council)

What is the Ukraine perspective quote?

‘The future of [Ukraine] lies within the European Union.’

What has North Korea done during the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

North Korea sent 6,700 containers carrying munitions to Russia between Sept 2023 and Feb 2024. (Al Jazeera 2024).

What was the response of Sweden and Finland to the invasion?

Finland joined NATO in April 2023 and Sweden in March 2024.

How do Russia’s oil and natural gas exports affect the EU?

Russia provided 40% of the EU’s natural gas and 30% of crude oil. Revenue from these exports made up 1/3-1/2 of Russia’s federal budget over the past decade (Reuters 2024). As such, the EU could not place a total ban on Russian imports. Russia cut some EU gas supplies in 2022. Italy had to set its max heating temp to 18 degrees.

How has the Russia-Ukraine conflict affected East African States?

Prior to the war, North East African states were receiving 40-80% if wheat from Ukraine and Russia. The Black Sea Grain Initiative was launched in response, and 33 million tonnes of grain left Ukraine during this period. However, grain exports to the least developing countries did not return to desired levels (Wintour 2023). Russia ended its participation in the program in July 2023.

How did the U.S-Biden administration respond to the Russia Ukraine conflict?

The US donated Us $170 billion to Ukraine by 2023, on top of $350 million in military 1 day after the initial invasion. Republicans secured the House in 2023 and the Presidency in 2025. Since, Russia has gained 6,000 km2.