[grey_whiskers]

I stand corrected.

Nonetheless, the Russians are wary of invasion from the West.

[agere_contra]

The only component of the German's invasion in WW2 that might have been decisive was the attack on the oil-rich Caucasus. This necessarily came through Ukraine.

Having lost the Battle of Britain and being required to give up Operation Seelowe, Hitler had only one possible place to get the oil that he needed.

Operation Barbarossa wasn't (as is often supposed) an act of madness on Hitler's part. It was literally the only chance he had to win the war.

It's a fascinating piece of history, which remains highly relevant today.