The Osher course, The Ukraine Crisis, will explore the fast moving events unfolding in Ukraine from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 23 and Aug. 6, in the Community Room. To understand the context of the current crisis, we’ll start with a brief history of both Ukraine and Russia and the expansion of the Russian Empire and Soviet Republics. Ukraine achieved independence in 1991 after the Soviet empire crumbled. There will be discussion on the economic, strategic and geopolitical role of Ukraine today as well as what contributed to the February 2014 revolution that ousted leader Viktor Yanukovych and prompted Russia’s takeover of Crimea. Comparisons will be made to the conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia and Abkhazia. The course content will change to reflect up-to-the-minute developments in the region. Register by calling Osher at (785) 864-5823, or toll-free at (877) 404-5823.