Caveat: I am neither a Ukrainian, Russian or Turkish/Ottoman expert. When you see Turkish/Ottoman and get a quizzical look on your face, it means you probably aren’t either. I’m not here to give a complete history of Ukraine. To get a sampling of what I mean by Ottoman, check out the Crimean War. Or wiki.
During World War II (WWII).
About 4.5 million Ukrainians served in the Soviet army. At least 350 Ukrainian generals and marshals served in the Soviet Army and were responsible for many of the victories at Stalingrad and Leningrad.
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These included Marshal Simon Timoshenko, Marshal Rodion Malinovsky, Marshal Ivan Konev, Marshal Yakiv Fedorenko, Marshal Kiril Maoskalenko, Marshal Serhiy Rudenko, General Andrey Grechko, Marshal Peter Koshoviy, Marshal Petro Leliushenko, Marshal Kliment Voroshilov, Marshal Andrey Yeremenko, General Yakiv Cherevichenko, General Fyodor Kostenko, Col. General Micahael Kirponos, Col. General Andrey Kravchenko, Admiral Mykola Basisty, General Iosif Apanesenko, and Marshal Alexander Vasilevsky.
Most of southern Ukraine was part of the historic Cossack(Kossack) region. So Ukraine has a long history of fighters. For centuries the people of Ukraine and Crimea have been battling with the surrounding powers for independence and self rule. Putin should have known this.
When I said a sample, I meant just that, a sample. Most of us barely knew the country, Ukraine, before Trump (and by us I mean Americans and not Daily Kossacks). I invite you to go to the link above and explore. And for quick study hit Wiki for History of Ukraine, Crimean Khanate and Cossacks.