The Kennan Institute

Origins of the War

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Origins of the War is a long-form interview series from The Kennan Institute examining the historical, political, and intellectual origins of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Each episode features leading historians, scholars, and policymakers in conversation about the end of the Cold War, post-Soviet transformations, Russian decision making, and the critical moments that shaped the path to war. Rather than focusing on breaking news, the series provides context, evidence, and long-view analysis to help audiences understand how this war came to be and why it matters.

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Author

The Kennan Institute

Episodes

Origins of the War with Yaroslav Hrytsak 24.02.2026 1:15:46

Historian Yaroslav Hrytsak joins Origins of the War to trace the deeper roots of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. From the early post-Soviet years to the Orange Revolution, the 2008 turning point in Russian strategy, the Maidan protests, and the annexation of Crimea, this episode explores how political shifts, generational change, and geopolitical tensions gradually escalated into full-sca...

Origins of the War with Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan 23.02.2026 1:09:29

Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan joins Origins of the War to discuss the evolution of U.S.–Russia relations and the events that led to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sullivan reflects on growing up during the Cold War, the reset policy under the Obama administration, the Maidan Revolution, the annexation of Crimea, and the diplomatic efforts in 2021 as war loomed. He offers insight in...

Origins of the War with Ambassador John Sullivan 09.02.2026 1:15:30

In this episode of Origins of the War , Ambassador John Sullivan discusses U.S.–Russia relations, the war in Ukraine, and the decisions that shaped one of the most consequential geopolitical crises of the twenty-first century. Sullivan reflects on his early interest in Russia, from Cold War cultural encounters to academic study and travel in the Soviet Union, and how those experiences informed...