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| "The next European war will start in Ukraine" — a map published in Look magazine. USA, March 14, 1939 |
In March 1939, Look magazine published a map predicting that the next major European war would begin in Ukraine. This statement, made almost exactly one year before the outbreak of World War II, sounds particularly prophetic today, given the events of recent decades and the current situation in the region.
The map that appeared in the *Look* magazine was released at a time of deep crisis in international relations. Europe was on the verge of a new war, and Ukraine, as part of the then Soviet Empire, was a territory with a unique geostrategic position. The country served as a bridge between Eastern and Western Europe, making it an inevitable target of attention from the great powers. The authors of the map were probably based on the understanding that the Ukrainian lands have always been an arena of conflict due to their strategic importance, rich natural resources and demographic potential.
Indeed, less than six months after the publication of this map, World War II began, and Ukraine became one of the key arenas of military operations. The German and Soviet armies clashed here in large-scale battles that left an indelible mark on the history of the region.
If we fast forward to the present day, we can see that the forecast of *Look* magazine has received a second wind. After the events of 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and then the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine began, the country once again found itself in the center of international attention. In 2022, the situation escalated to a full-scale war, confirming the words written more than 80 years ago.
Ukraine continues to play the role of a barrier between East and West, symbolizing broader confrontations ranging from economic interests to ideological differences. Its territory has become a place where the influences of various global players collide: the United States, the European Union, Russia and other states.
Why Ukraine? The answer lies in its geographical location, economic potential, and historical role.
1. Strategic location: Ukraine is located in the heart of Europe, connecting the western and eastern parts of the continent. Control over its territory allows it to influence trade, transport routes, and energy flows.
2. Economic resources: Rich chernozem soils, developed industry and significant mineral reserves make the country desirable for many states.
3. Historical significance: Throughout its history, Ukraine has repeatedly become the scene of major conflicts, be it medieval wars, the period of the division of Poland or the Great Patriotic War.
Published in 1939, the map, which seemed only a hypothesis at the time, now looks like a surprisingly accurate prediction. It reminds us that some geopolitical realities have remained unchanged for decades. Ukraine, as a state that stands at the crossroads of cultures, civilizations and the interests of great powers, will always be at the epicenter of big political games.
It is important to note that the modern war in Ukraine is not just a local conflict. This is part of a more global process that affects the security of the entire world. As the authors of the map suggested, Ukraine has once again become the place where the fate of the continent is being decided.
The map from the 1939 Look magazine is a vivid example of how sometimes the wildest predictions turn out to be true. Today, Ukraine continues to be a point of tension in international relations, and its fate is closely linked to the future of the whole of Europe and even the world. History repeats itself, but each time it brings new lessons. Perhaps the most important thing we can do is to learn from the past in order to avoid making new mistakes in the future.
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