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This course will examine the complex history of Russia and Ukraine starting in the 9th century and the founding of Kievan Rus. The first half of the course will cover the impact of the Mongol conquest, the subsequent rise of the Principality of Muscovy and later the Russian Empire until its collapse in 1917. The second half of the course will address the Soviet period through 1991and the emergence of independent Russia and Ukraine through the current war. Deep knowledge of this at many times tortured history, geography, emerging nationalisms, cultures, economies, interests is essential to understanding the current conflict. Core themes for the course are contested sovereignty, imperial power, and the role of the West, including Europe and later also the United States as well.