Putin’s Catherine the Great ideology could reveal future plans

Novorossiya, or New Russia, is an historical name used during the time of the Russian Empire. It made up an area that would later become the southern part of mainland Ukraine, a geographical land mass which included Kherson, the most recently liberated Ukrainian city in Russia’s offensive war. This part of Ukraine has for hundreds of years been victim to a great game of toing and froing.For now, things are calm. But many fear that a storm may be brewing on the horizon.This is because Russian President Vladimir Putin has made no secret of his desire to reestablish a New Russia.For nearly a decade, he has cited Novorossiya as a goal of his regime, most vocally following Russia’s illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014.In a speech dated April 17 of that year, he laid special weight to “Novorossiya”, hinting at his plans for Ukraine in the years to come. Vladimir Putin has hinted that he wants to recreate the Russia of old (Image: GETTY) Ukrainian troops recently liberated the city of Kherson, which had been held by Russia (Image: GETTY)But where exactly does the term New Russia come from? And why is it so significant?The term came into official use in 1764, when Russia conquered the Crimean Khanate and annexed its territories, thereby marking the founding of the Novorossiya Governorate.This would last until 1917, when the entire area was swallowed up by the Ukrainian People’s Republic – a precursor to what would become the Ukrainian SSR.Originally, Novorossiya was to be named after the Empress Catherine the Great, the royal who was at the helm of some of Russia’s most important land gains.JUST IN: Putin faces political anarchy as civil war & ethnic revolts loom A woman holds a map of Novorossiya in support of the proclaimed Republic of Donetsk, 2014 (Image: GETTY)She, however, requested it be called Novorossiya, something which historians have suggested was in tune with the times, as European nations began colonising other parts of the world, like New Spain, New France, and New England.James Krapfl, Associate Professor of History at McGill University, suggests that Putin has been seriously influenced by Catherine in his ambitions to capture parts of Ukraine.Writing for The Conversation, he says “the parallels between Catherine’s and Putin’s designs on these territories are remarkable,” crucially adding that, “even though Ukraine’s future currently looks bleak, historical comparison offers grim hope.”While Catherine financed foreign politicians in order to weaken resistance – all the while defending Russia’s freedom – Putin has deployed hybrid warfare across Europe to keep neighbouring countries in line, as well as those further afield, in Central Asia, for instance.DON’T MISSChina ’embarrassed’ by Russia’s military operations, says US official [REPORT] Moscow residents march to demand missile strike on Washington [INSIGHT] Rocked Russians have nowhere to hide as 500 pinpointed [ANALYSIS]  Catherine the Great is revered in Russia, especially by the likes of Putin (Image: GETTY) Catherine’s Russian Imperial Army captures Ochakov, southern Ukraine in the 18th century (Image: GETTY)Prof Krapfl compares Catherine’s efforts in Poland with Putin’s actions in Ukraine: “Putin even claims to defend ethnic Russians abroad just as Catherine did Orthodox Christians.”And just as Catherine had fans in the West who approved of Polish subjects coming under her ‘enlightened’ rule, so too do some westerners believe Putin’s propaganda of ‘de-Nazifying’ Ukraine and defending ‘European’ values.”He continues: “Though no historical comparison is perfect, Putin’s motives are clearly the same as Catherine’s – to expand Russian power wherever possible.”Catherine sought at all costs to keep Poland from reforming itself; when it was no longer possible to dominate it as an unofficial protectorate, she annexed as much of it as possible.” Much of the regions which had Russian-held referenda are part of the old Novorossiya (Image: Express Newspapers)Before 2014, Russia generally enjoyed good relations with Ukraine bar a few hiccups. Putin had even noted that relations between the two countries had taken a positive turn since Viktor Yanukovych – Ukraine’s President between 2010 and 2014 – was elected.But this period marked a relative downward spiral in Ukraine’s democracy, and a move towards Russia and away from Europe.The people of Ukraine reacted in what has since been called the Maidan Revolution, removing Yanukovych from office. Russia, too, reacted, by invading Crimea and, almost a decade later, the east of the country.As Prof Krapfl notes: “If protectorate status is impossible, he [Putin] will opt for annexation.” Ukrainians used the 2014 Maidan Revolution to force change in the country’s halls of power (Image: GETTY)In the end, Catherine failed in Poland, and the country would later achieve its independence and rebirth.The French philosopher Jean-Jacques offered Poles some stalwart advice in 1772 when he wrote: “You may not be able to keep them from swallowing you; at least make it so they cannot digest you …. Establish the republic in Poles’ own heart.’In light of this, Prof Krapfl says: “Kyiv’s Euromaidan revolution of 2013-14 resurrected Ukraine in the hearts of its citizens, and their heroic resistance today shows that they too will ultimately be indigestible.”Though Putin, through horrific violence, may achieve a military victory, the spiritual fight is one he ultimately cannot win.”