Serhii Plokhy: History of Ukraine, Russia, Soviet Union, KGB, Nazis & War

Lex opened the conversation by framing the complex historical relationship between Ukraine and Russia, particularly focusing on the Soviet Union's collapse. Serhii Plokhy immediately reframed the Soviet collapse as part of the broader disintegration of the Russian Empire, emphasizing Ukraine's crucial role in this process. He argued that the U.S. did not actively seek the Soviet Union's collapse, viewing it instead as a geopolitical headache, contrary to popular belief.

Plokhy's main argument centered on the historical narratives that shape modern Eastern European identities, particularly the mythology of Kievan Rus. He detailed how these narratives influence current geopolitical tensions, with Russia and Ukraine both drawing from the same historical well to justify their national identities. Plokhy also highlighted the role of the KGB in shaping modern Russian politics, particularly under Khrushchev and Andropov, leading to its continued influence under Putin.

Lex did not explicitly push back against Plokhy's framing of the Soviet collapse or the KGB's influence, though the conversation naturally touched on areas of potential disagreement. Plokhy's assertion that the U.S. preferred a stable Soviet Union could be contentious, as it contradicts the common narrative of U.S. triumph in the Cold War. However, Lex chose not to challenge this view directly, allowing Plokhy's historical perspective to stand unopposed.

The conversation concluded with a discussion on current geopolitical dynamics, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine and its implications for global security. Plokhy emphasized the minimal influence of far-right politics in Ukraine compared to other European nations, challenging some Western narratives. The discussion also touched on the enduring impact of Chernobyl on nuclear safety, highlighting vulnerabilities that persist in the global nuclear industry. Plokhy left open questions about the future of Ukrainian identity and its geopolitical alignment.

Unresolved by the end of the conversation

• Plokhy questioned the long-term impact of the ongoing war on Ukrainian identity and its geopolitical alignment.
• The potential for Ukraine to shift towards a more authoritarian government if the war continues was left unresolved.

What a senior practitioner would find new

• The Ukrainian referendum on December 1, 1991, was a decisive factor in the Soviet Union's dissolution, as Ukraine was the second-largest Soviet republic.
• The KGB's combination of internal secret police functions with intelligence operations abroad allowed it to become a significant power player in Soviet politics by the 1970s.
• The Cossack Myth, a 19th-century text, challenged the Russian Empire's narrative by asserting the Cossacks' rights as a separate nation, influencing Ukrainian national identity.

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