Mental, historical and geopolitical background of differences between Ukraine and Russia

The article highlights certain prerequisites of mental, historical and geopolitical differences between Ukraine and Russia. Peculiarities of the Ukrainian mentality in comparison with the Russian mentality were studied. The historical origins of Ukraine’s belonging to European civilization were outlined. Deep contradictions in the geopolitical orientations of Russia and Ukraine were identified. The current armed conflict has been going on for the ninth year, which exceeds the average duration of modern wars. The historical extent of the Russian-Ukrainian war is caused by an inter-civilizational clash. The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the hybrid aggression of the Russian Federation against the countries of the West have already radically affected international security and international relations. The author assumes that the modern war has deep foundations due to significant differences between Ukraine and Russia. These differences include a complex of mental historical and geopolitical components.