Famine, subjugation and nuclear fallout: How Soviet experience helped sow resentment among Ukrainian

Ukrainians toward Russia

Ukraine and Russia share a great deal in the way of history and culture – indeed for long periods in the past, the neighboring countries were part of larger empires encompassing both territories.

But that history – especially during the Soviet period from 1922 to 1991, in which Ukraine was absorbed into the communist bloc – has also bred resentment. Opinions of the merits of the Soviet Union and its leaders diverge, with Ukrainians far less likely to view the period favorably than Russians.

Nonetheless, President Vladimir Putin continues to claim Soviet foundations for what he sees as “historical Russia” – an entity that includes Ukraine.

As scholars of that history, we believe that an examination of Soviet-era policies in Ukraine can offer a useful lens for understanding why so many Ukrainians harbor deep resentment toward Russia.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/famine-subjugation-nuclear-fallout-soviet-133030287.html

Article goes on to talk about the "Holodomor" which was Stalin's engineered famine. It's a pretty good read.