On Sept. 21, 2023, Dr. Martinson, Associate Professor of Political Science,and Dr. Vitarbo, Professor of History, led a talk in Kresge auditorium about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and its impact on international politics. While Russia-Ukrainian history is fraught with conflict, ranging from Ukraine’s declaration of independence from the USSR in 1991 to Russia’s 2014 invasion of the Crimean peninsula, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, was anescalation of existing tensions. As the world nears day 600 of the invasion, many have been left with questions about what exactly happened and why the conflict has continued n for over a year.
Dr. Vitarbo, whose Ph.D. is in Russian/Soviet history, began the event with a brief presentation on the history of Russo-Ukrainian relations. Dr. Martinson, an expert on global politics, followed Dr. Vitarbo with a presentation on the ways that international affairs have both influenced and been influenced by the conflict. The rest of the presentation was held in a Q&A format, covering topics including Russian public opinion of the conflict, U.S. involvement and foreign policy, the Wagner group, whether or not this has become another Cold War, and more.
To stay up to date with information about Russia-Ukranian conflict, visit this site.
By Clary Taylor, News Editor
Graphic by Shae-Lynn Henderson, EIC