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Today in History: Bush Warned Ukraine Against Independence From Soviet Union

8/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On August 1, 1991, U.S. President George H. W. Bush delivered a controversial speech in Kyiv, Ukraine, cautioning against "suicidal nationalism" as the country approached independence from the Soviet Union. This address, written by Condoleezza Rice, sparked outrage among Ukrainian nationalists and foreshadowed the Soviet Union's collapse just months later.

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Story summary

On August 1, 1991, U.S. President George H. W. Bush delivered a controversial speech in Kyiv, Ukraine, cautioning against "suicidal nationalism" as the country approached independence from the Soviet Union. This address, written by Condoleezza Rice, sparked outrage among Ukrainian nationalists and foreshadowed the Soviet Union's collapse just months later.