Communist Russia’s history with Ukraine has interesting parallels with modern Russia’s, but analyzing important differences between Lenin and Putin’s foreign policies can help modern observers navigate the current war in Ukraine. One reason that Putin’s invasion is so puzzling is that, although he claims it’s part of an effort to re-establish the USSR, it’s incompatible with the ideologies of Vladimir Lenin, a vocal anti-imperialist. Lenin, who oversaw the victory of the Bolshevik’s and formation of the USSR, famously wrote Imperialism: the Highest Stage of Capitalism, in 1917, stating simply: “Imperialism emerged as the development and direct continuation of the fundamental characteristics of capitalism in general.” (Lenin)

Although Lenin opposed imperialism, he did authorize Russian troops to enter Ukraine during the Russian Civil War. The Bolshevik Army was chasing after the leader of the anti-Bolshevik White Army, Denikin, who had fled into Ukraine. Lenin wrote a letter evaluating the options for Ukraine: should it be an independent state allied with Russia, or should it be a part of a larger Soviet Union? Lenin asserted that these decisions should be made by the Ukrainian workers, operating with full autonomy. His public endorsement of Ukrainian self-determination is not something Putin has afforded to his western neighbors. Lenin viewed Ukraine not as a nation Russia had a right to exploit and absorb (as Putin seems to), but a partnership between workers of the world. Allying with other nations was a way to break down the international power of capital. He acknowledged the mutual distrust between Russia and Ukraine, attributing it to nationalism and imperialism, and instead emphasized the importance of equality and unity between the countries. His rhetoric is markedly different from Putin, despite both leaders overseeing the military invasion of Ukraine. These differences are important because they draw distinctions between Communist Russia and modern Russia. Outsiders–specifically westerners living under late-stage capitalist systems–might look to the traditionally-misrepresented revolutions for a better understanding of current events and their own nation’s future.