Why did the Soviet Union Steal Territories from Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland?
The question of why the Soviet Union took territories from the Czechoslovak Republic (rather than Hungary), Romania, and Poland and gave them to Ukraine is complex and steeped in history. This process was not unique to the Soviet Union; every great power has a tendency to take what it wants without asking weaker countries. However, the historical context and specific actions taken by the Soviet Union are pivotal in understanding the current geopolitical landscape.
Background and Context
The current capital of Ukraine, Kiev, has a rich history dating back to the founding of unified Russia. Throughout the centuries, European countries, including Russia, have fought for and taken each other's lands through various conflicts, wars, and treaties. The formation of Ukraine as a socialist republic following the 1917 Russian Revolution only solidified the region's place within the Soviet Union, which had been a part of the Russian Empire for centuries.
Termination of the First World War and Territorial Adjustments
After the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles and the subsequent withdrawal of the Russian Empire from Eastern Europe led to significant territorial reorganizations. The Soviet Union sought to expand its control and influence by taking advantage of the weakened position of neighboring states. The territories of Podkarpatská Rus (a part of Ruthenia) were annexed from Czechoslovakia rather than Hungary, based on the national composition of the population and less on historical claims. This move was justified by the Soviets as a form of support for the national aspirations of the Ruthenian people, albeit under Soviet control.
Russian Aggrandizement and Strategic Considerations
The Soviet Union's actions in the interwar period were part of a broader strategy to expand its sphere of influence. They sought to create an artificial state that could serve as a buffer between Russia and the surrounding countries, particularly Central Europe. This buffer was intended to mitigate potential threats and ensure that Russia could respond quickly to any events in the region. By incorporating parts of these countries, the Soviet Union created a state that would act as a hub, enabling swift access to the surrounding regions.
Failed attempts and Russian miscalculations
The creation of this buffer state did not go without challenges. For instance, in Finland, the Soviet Union abandoned its efforts to create a similar buffer state due to resistance from the Finnish people and the defeat of the communists. However, in other regions, the strategy proved effective for a time. The Soviet Union miscalculated the long-term implications of such actions, particularly the potential for backlash and the development of a more nationalist and independent Ukraine.
Contemporary Implications and the Concept of Karma
Today, the consequences of these historical actions manifest in various geopolitical tensions. Some argue that these territories were stolen and given to Ukraine as a means to create a buffer state, but they overlooked the potential for these territories to foster a sense of independence and national pride among the populations living within them. The contemporary Ukrainian crisis is often viewed as a manifestation of this Karma, where past actions have now come back to haunt the Russian Federation.
Conclusion: The Perils of Geopolitical Manipulation
The case of the annexation of these territories from neighboring countries to form Ukraine as a buffer state highlights the risks of geopolitical manipulation. Claims of replacing one form of governance with another (like democracy with another form of governance) ultimately backfire when the foundation of the newly created state is built on such shaky ground. The current conflict in Ukraine serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of miscalculations and the cyclical nature of historical retributions. This is a lesson that no country should ignore in their pursuit of expanded control or influence.