Why Ukraine Chose the EU Over Russia: History, Identity, and the Push for Independence

 Ukraine and Russia were once a family in the old days. Gradually Ukraine began to live his own life. Ukraine was for many years a part of a big empire governed by Russia. Later though both were in the Soviet Union where it was run by Russia. They started to lose who they were and that was becoming a lost generation.

The Soviet Union broke up in 1991. “We are our own country now!” Ukraine said. What most people in Ukraine wanted is what this is. At first Russia said okay.

But later things got harder. Things started to change in Ukraine as it started to look at Europe and the European Union (EU). It appeared that the EU consisted of fair and rich countries. More money and freedom can be achieved with Ukraine joining the EU.

In 2014 Russia seized Crimea which at that time was a part of Ukraine. Russia also supported the fighting in the east of Ukraine.

Upon this event many in Ukraine thought of Russia as being untrustworthy. Why remain close to a country that continually seizes your land and initiates conflicts?

The EU seemed safer. Hope for a better life was what it offered. That’s why Ukraine wants to join the EU – to be free and safe and enjoy a better future.