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On Feb. 12, Oles Smolansky, professor of International Relations at Lehigh University, presented a lecture titled, “Russia and the Ukraine: A Tangled Relationship.” His speech focused on the nature of the connection between these two countries since the 1991 breakup of the former Soviet Union. The lecture was sponsored by the University’s Russian Area Studies concentration group.

Smolansky’s lecture explained the relationship between Russia and the Ukraine, specifically focusing on the problem of the relative importance of Russia to the Ukraine, and of the Ukraine to Russia. He also addressed timely issues concerning how the Sept 11 events have impacted this relationship.

After posing the question, “Why are Russia and Ukraine important to each other?” Smolansky addressed questions of economics affecting each nation, and noted that Russia’s economic stability depends heavily on its ability to export fuel to central and western Europe. However, 90 percent of the exported fuel traverses Ukrainian territory. He explained that this has, “significantly complicated Russia’s ability to export fuel.” Many problems have arisen due to this situation. They include the stealing of Russian fuel by the Ukraine as well as concerns about ownership and control of the main fuel lines situated in Ukraine territory. Smolansky said this has spurred a, “tug of war [that] has consumed much time and energy.”

He also highlighted issues of political and military concern pertaining to each country. The issue of fuel was again introduced and discussed in light of the above relationships. “Ukraine cannot survive economically and hence politically without access to Russian fuel…[and] Ukraine has proved to be a huge stumbling block right in the middle of the post-Soviet zone, preventing Russia from pursuing its geopolitical goals,” he explained.

As he discussed matters concerning the military status of each country, Smolansky noted that his emphasis would not be on their armed forces or actual military preparedness. Rather, he preferred to focus on their military industrial complexes, such as their production of missiles, aircrafts and tanks.

Finally, Smolansky introduced concerns pertaining to the events of Sept. 11 and their relevance in regard to these nations. He remarked that these events “introduced major changes into the political equation of the former Soviet space.” Russia was among one of the first nations to offer its unconditional support in the fight against terrorism and even allowed the United States to establish military bases near the Afghan border. Without access to these bases, the American efforts to battle terrorism would have become much harder. This has led to an inevitable warming of relations between the nations.

In conclusion, Smolansky again outlined the problems facing these nations. “Clearly, all problems between Russia and the Ukraine have not been resolved or even can be resolved,” he said.