Ukraine's Unnamed War: Before the Russian Invasion of 2022

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was rooted in the events of 2013–2014, when Russia cynically termed the seditionist conflict in Crimea and Eastern Donbas a civil war to claim non-involvement. This book explains how Russia, after seizing Crimea, was reacting to events it could not control and sent troops only to areas of Ukraine where it knew it would face little resistance. Kremlin decisionmakers misunderstood the attachment of the Russian-speaking population to the Ukrainian state and failed to anticipate that their intervention would transform Ukraine into a more cohesively Ukrainian polity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 can be traced back to the events of 2013-2014, where Russia cynically labeled the conflict in Crimea and Eastern Donbas as a "civil war" to evade responsibility. However, evidence contradicts this claim. The authors argue that the social science literature on civil wars can provide valuable insights into the failure to find a political solution between 2015 and 2022.

The book delves into how Russia, in response to events it could not control, deployed troops to regions of Ukraine where it anticipated minimal resistance, specifically Eastern Donbas. Kremlin decision-makers misread the attachment of the Russian-speaking population to the Ukrainian state and underestimated the transformative impact of their intervention on Ukraine's political landscape.

Drawing on Ukrainian documentary sources, this concise book offers a comprehensive explanation of these significant developments to a non-specialist readership. It sheds light on the complex dynamics, historical background, and geopolitical implications that contributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By examining the social science literature on civil wars, the book provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by countries seeking to resolve conflicts and promote stability.

Weight: 417g
ISBN-13: 9781009055949