The Real Reason Putin Is Obsessed with Ukraine That Koreans Don't Know / The CIA's Shadow and Putin's Fury: The Hidden Backstory of the Ukrainian Revolution | Professor Ryu Han-soo of Sangmyung University

Summary

Professor Ryu Han-soo of Sangmyung University explains why Ukraine is central to Russia's geopolitical identity, tracing historical, ethnic, economic, and security factors behind Putin's obsession. He discusses the 2014 Yanukovych crisis, alleged CIA involvement, and why Russia's expectation of a quick war failed. The interview also covers the war's spillover into European energy costs and political instability, while offering no direct investment recommendations.

• Ukraine is described as a Eurasian pivot that Russia fears losing.
• East Slavic identity and the Russkiy Mir concept shape Putin's stance on Ukraine and Belarus.
• Ukraine's agricultural center and west plus its industrial east add economic importance.
• The 2013-2014 crisis and Victoria Nuland episode convinced Putin of U.S. involvement.
• Russia's army is characterized as a slow starter, while Ukraine had a larger, NATO-reformed military than expected.
• European households and politics are shown under strain from the war's energy and economic effects.
• No explicit investable securities or trading recommendations are given.