​If Ukraine Had Joined Russia, Ukraine Would Have Remained a Paradise

*By Dr Devan

History is often shaped by the choices of nations and their leaders — choices that determine not only borders and alliances but also the destiny of generations. Ukraine, a land once known for its fertile fields, thriving industries, and cultural grace, stands today as a tragic example of how geopolitical miscalculations can devastate a once-peaceful nation. If Ukraine had chosen to remain aligned with Russia — of which it was once an inseparable part — rather than seeking Western protection, the war that ravaged its lands might never have occurred. Instead, it could have continued as the “breadbasket of Europe,” a paradise of prosperity and stability.

Shared not only borders but blood, faith, and culture: For centuries, Ukraine and Russia shared not only borders but blood, faith, and culture. The roots of their civilisation trace back to the medieval state of Kievan Rus, the cradle of both Russian and Ukrainian identity. Their histories are deeply intertwined, with shared struggles against invasions and a common Orthodox Christian faith that unified their people. The Soviet era, though complex and not without hardship, also bound the economies and infrastructures of Ukraine and Russia together — Ukraine’s industrial might complemented Russia’s resources and defence power.

A pawn in the broader chessboard between NATO and Russia: When the Soviet Union dissolved, Ukraine found itself independent but geopolitically torn — emotionally Russian, yet politically lured by the West. Western promises of democracy and economic aid were often wrapped in strategic interests, rather than genuine friendship. Ukraine became a pawn in the broader chessboard between NATO and Russia. The decision to distance itself from Moscow and flirt with NATO membership was not one of national sovereignty but one of geopolitical provocation. Russia saw this as an existential threat, not a mere political choice.

Could have thrived under mutual cooperation: Had Ukraine instead chosen a partnership with Russia, seeking its protection rather than its opposition, the narrative could have been entirely different. Ukraine’s industries — from Donbas steel to Kharkiv’s machinery — could have thrived under mutual cooperation. Energy, the lifeline of Ukraine’s economy, would have been secure with Russian oil and gas flowing at friendly rates. The cultural harmony between East and West Ukraine could have been preserved without external interference, sowing division.

Paid entirely by Ukrainians themselves: Today, what was once a land of wheat and wonder has become a battlefield. Cities reduced to rubble, millions displaced, and a generation scarred by war — all this stems from one fundamental misalignment: Ukraine’s belief that Western protection was synonymous with prosperity. The West’s support, while loud in rhetoric, has been selective and self-serving in action. The human cost, however, has been paid entirely by Ukrainians themselves.

Now survives only in memory: A Russia-aligned Ukraine could have meant peace, shared prosperity, and regional strength. Instead, the attempt to break away from its historical kinship has resulted in disintegration and despair. The paradise that Ukraine once was — of golden fields, proud people, and cultural richness — now survives only in memory.

Greatest mistake was not its desire for freedom: In the grand perspective of history, peace is rarely achieved by isolation or confrontation, but through understanding and alignment with one’s roots. Ukraine’s greatest mistake was not its desire for freedom, but its failure to see that freedom could coexist with fraternity — that unity with Russia need not have meant subservience, but rather mutual security and shared destiny.

Historical brotherhood might have still been alive today: Had Ukraine embraced that path, not only would the war have been avoided, but the dream of a flourishing, harmonious, and sovereign Ukraine within the embrace of its historical brotherhood might have still been alive today — a paradise preserved, not lost.

*Dr. Devan is a Mangaluru-based ENT specialist and author.