Understanding the Russia-Ukraine Conflict Through Documentaries
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has reshaped global perspectives on geopolitics and sovereignty. On the occasion of key milestones in the conflict, observers note the dramatic shifts in strategy, the reliance on heavy bombing and artillery, and the hard reality of a war that stretches beyond land battles. Western support for Ukraine and its military resilience have surprised many who underestimated the resolve of Kyiv and its allies, while the Russian leadership faces mounting challenges on multiple fronts.
For those seeking to grasp the history behind the current tensions, a curated selection of documentaries offers context about the long relationship between Russia and Ukraine. These films illuminate pivotal moments and explain how past events continue to inform present actions. In a landscape saturated with information, documentary storytelling can provide a clearer view of complex situations and help viewers understand the stakes involved.
Navalny: The Man Putin Couldn’t Kill (2021)
The poisoning of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny highlighted the Kremlin’s approach to political opponents. This documentary investigates the assassination attempt and the consequences for Navalny, the trajectory of his life in prison, and Vladimir Putin’s role in shaping this chapter of modern Russia. The film is available on Movistar+.
The Navy (2022)
As questions linger about Navalny’s forces and choices, this HBO documentary explains why he decided to return to Russia after learning of the Kremlin’s assassination attempt against him.
Ukraine: Run or Stay (2022)
A stark look at the choices faced by people during the early days of the conflict when refugees fled in search of safety and a way forward for their families. Filmed as events unfolded, the documentary chronicles those who left their homes and those who stayed to defend their communities, offering a human lens on the crisis. It is available for viewing on Movistar+.
Donbass (2018)
This satirical work examines both sides of the Ukrainian conflict amid disinformation and competing political motives. Donbass remained a focal point of the war, with leaders in both Russia and Ukraine trying to project strength amid ongoing tensions.
Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Freedom Struggle (2015)
Available on Netflix, this film covers the Euromaidan protests that erupted after Ukraine’s president halted plans to pursue closer ties with the European Union. The crackdown drew widespread attention and led to the resignation of the Ukrainian leadership. The documentary earned the People’s Choice Award for Best Documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2016 and received Oscar and Emmy nominations the same year.
Putin’s Witnesses (2018)
This documentary traces the ascent of the current Russian president, highlighting the years after Boris Yeltsin stepped down and Putin took power. It examines how political landscapes can shift dramatically and what those shifts reveal about leadership and governance in Russia.
Maidan (2014)
Named after Kyiv’s central Independence Square, this film dives into the demonstrations of 2013 and 2014 when large protests pressed for political change and challenged longstanding alliances. The movement culminated in intense clashes and a major political realignment that reshaped Ukraine’s path toward the European community. The film captures the energy, hopes, and consequences of those days.
Agents of Chaos (2020)
This HBO documentary examines how online platforms can become arenas for misinformation and manipulation. It explores how various actors coordinated to influence political outcomes, offering a critical look at the power of digital disinformation and the real-world impacts it can have on democratic processes.
These documentaries offer viewers a chance to understand the questions that arise from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They are available on streaming platforms such as Movistar, HBO, Netflix, and Premier Video. Sit back, press play, and follow the threads that illuminate the broader political and human story behind the news.