@FAITH HOPE CHARITY
The history through the ages will provide you no understanding at all here as the history of the forerunner of today Russia (Muscovy) in eastern today Ukraine starts in the 17th century, in western - at the end of 18th century (2nd partition of Poland/Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth).
But beware: Russia was then (in 1793) not today Russia but the despotic Tsardom of certain old German hag: Tsarina Yekaterina (Catherine) previously known as: Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst) .
The history of today Ukraine - well, it starts in the 20th century with the German idea of Mitteleuropa extended eastward after successes in the east during WWI (previously known as: the Great War).
So "the underlying context" here and now is: lie to force your political ideas no matter what they are.
PS However, I can give you a certain hint - it is not related to Russia or to Ukraine but this key point has been valid throughout a large part of history of the above region: European endings of trade routes from Far East (Asia), China in particular, competitive with sea/ocean routes.

@FAITH HOPE CHARITY I agree with your comment! Did you happen to see my post on the real reason for this conflict?