After 1991 Ukraine followed the bumpy path of many post-Soviet states, attempting to forge a modern democracy next door to a powerful neighbour with interest and influence in its internal affairs. The 2014 political crisis in Ukraine turned into a tug-of-war between the Russia and the West. Russia’s occupation of Crimea, an autonomous region in Ukraine, become a test of US power and its limits as well as a critical moment for the Russian president.  Rear Vision looks at this moment which arguable led to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia.