The Postcolonial Moment in Russia's War Against Ukraine.

This article examines the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia and its implications for the study of international relations. It highlights the Eurocentric bias in the field and the lack of understanding of Eastern European experiences. The war has exposed divisions between offensive realists and pacifists, both of whom fail to recognize Ukraine's agency. However, it has also empowered Central and East European states to assert their political independence and challenge Russia's denial of Ukraine's sovereignty. The article explores Ukraine's historical experience as a passive player in international relations and the neglect of Russian imperialism in postcolonial studies. It argues that the war has revealed the difficulty of acknowledging Ukraine's distinct perspective and the need to address Russia's historical memory. The text also discusses Russia's imperialistic ambitions and the need for a comprehensive program to confront its repressive past. It calls for a decolonization of the study of war and international relations, emphasizing the importance of considering the perspectives and agency of smaller states. The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding for those affected by the conflict. [Extracted from the article]