¿Cuál es el origen del conflicto entre Ucrania y Rusia y por qué tiene relevancia internacional?

Ukraine, situated between Russia and the European Union, has been engulfed in a conflict known as the War in Donbass since 2014, with over 14,000 fatalities. The conflict not only impacts Ukraine but also has geopolitical implications beyond its borders, especially in the tension between Russia and the Western bloc led by the United States.

Ukraine's history is intertwined with various foreign powers such as Poland, the Ottoman Empire, Austria, and primarily Russia. The country was previously part of the powerful federation of Slavic tribes known as the Kievan Rus, stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. The territory has been divided and passed through several hands over the centuries.

The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 was a significant turning point in the conflict. The strategic importance of Crimea to Russia, the historical ties, and the geopolitical repercussions of the annexation are key factors in understanding the crisis in the region.

The Euromaidan protests in 2013, triggered by Ukraine's decision to suspend an Association Agreement with the EU, led to a series of demonstrations and unrest with both European and nationalist sentiments. The crisis escalated with the annexation of Crimea and the subsequent conflict in Eastern Ukraine.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and separatist regions, supported by Russia, has resulted in thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The geopolitical and economic implications of the conflict extend beyond the region, affecting international relations and energy dynamics.