The empire seemed unshakeable, boasting a formidable nuclear arsenal and half the world's countries as satellites. Five months earlier, a referendum saw most citizens vote to preserve the USSR. CIA reports indicated that the Soviet Union was unbreakable, and its leadership had the intention and capability to overcome all current challenges.

Within five days, Ukraine declared independence.

Four months later, the Soviet Union ceased to exist as a political entity and geopolitical reality. Its flag was lowered over the Kremlin, and its president resigned.

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war with Russia