#415 – Serhii Plokhy: History of Ukraine, Russia, Soviet Union, KGB, Nazis & War

In this episode of the 'Lex Fridman Podcast,' Lex engages in a conversation with Serhii Plokhy, a historian specializing in Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine. They delve into the complex history of Ukraine, Russia, and the Soviet Union, discussing the interconnectedness of events that led to the current geopolitical landscape. Plokhy provides a nuanced explanation of the collapse of the Soviet Union, differentiating between the fall of communism as an ideology, the end of the Cold War, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union itself. He emphasizes the unique nature of the Soviet collapse, viewing it as a continuation of the disintegration of the Russian Empire, a process that began in 1917 and was only temporarily halted by Bolshevik policies.

Plokhy also discusses figures like Gorbachev and Bandera, highlighting the intricacies of their roles in Soviet and Ukrainian history. The conversation touches on the KGB's influence, Putin's statement on the Soviet Union's collapse, and the origins of Slavic nations, illustrating the deep historical roots that inform current events. The episode further explores the impact of the Ukrainian revolutions of 2004 and 2013, which Plokhy identifies as critical to Ukraine's pro-Western shift and its resistance to Russian influence. The discussion around the Russo-Ukrainian War provides insight into the motivations behind Russia's actions, including Putin's desire to reassert control over the post-Soviet space and prevent Ukraine's western integration.

Plokhy's personal narrative weaves through the discussion, as he recounts his own experiences and research, including his work on figures like Bogdan Stashinsky, a KGB assassin, and the broader implications of nuclear disasters like Chernobyl. The conversation ends with reflections on the current war in Ukraine, its potential outcomes, and the historical patterns that seem to be repeating themselves in the form of a new Cold War.