Debunking Putin's False History of Ukraine

February 24, 2022

Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast

Putin claims he’s fixing a historic wrong in Ukraine. Historian Kathryn David joins Deep Dish to share the truth.

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About the Episode

In a fiery speech on Monday, Russia’s President Putin laid out a stark, politically motivated, and false account of Ukraine’s history to justify his full-scale invasion. His main argument? Ukraine is historically not a sovereign nation, but a long-lost part of Russia. A part Russia wants—and will take—back. Historian Kathryn David joins host Brian Hanson on Deep Dish to explain the real history and how it explains the conflict today.

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About the Experts

Kathryn David

Mellon Assistant Professor, Russian & East European Studies, Vanderbilt University

Kathryn "Katie" David specializes in the history of Soviet Ukraine and Russia. Her research interests include connections between religious & national belonging, WWII & its aftermath in the Soviet Union, & the legacies of the Russian & Habsburg empires in 20th century Europe.

Brian Hanson

Former Vice President, Studies

Brian Hanson served as the vice president of studies at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. He managed the Council's research operations and hosted the Council's weekly podcast, Deep Dish on Global Affairs.