The Ukraine War: Reflecting on Three Years of Conflict and Consequences

This class begins on the three-year mark of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which occurred on February 24, 2022, and offers an in-depth exploration of the ongoing war, examining it from both the Russian and Ukrainian perspectives. In the first session, students will analyze the conflict through the lens of Russian motives, strategies, and goals, exploring the historical context and political factors driving Russian actions. The second session will focus on the Ukrainian perspective, including the nation’s resistance, its quest for sovereignty, and the human and geopolitical consequences of the war. Students will gain a balanced understanding of the conflict, its roots, and the broader global implications. 

Tom Fedyszyn, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College following 18 years on its teaching faculty. A retired Navy captain, he commanded a cruiser and a destroyer. His shore assignments included being the U.S. Naval attaché in Russia as well as the Russia branch chief for the international military staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. He is published widely on the Russian Navy and foreign affairs. He holds a Ph.D. in political science and international relations from Johns Hopkins University.